Although tree stakes are fine to leave in place for about 6-12 months before they should be removed, most trees planted in fairly level, not super-windy locations don't need to be staked at all. In that regard, yes, the stakes can come off now if you prefer. Even if left on for now, stakes should never hold a tree rigid, as they need to allow it to sway a few inches in any direction in the wind, since this motion stimulates better anchoring roots and a taper to the trunk that adds stability as it matures.

It sounds like you may be describing a slender bamboo stick tied directly to the trunk, though, and in that case, yes, it should be removed upon planting. You also don't want any of the ties to remain, even though many are an elastic material that expands a bit and are designed to snap and disintegrate over time so they don't harm the branch or trunk; they don't always, and when the bark grows over them, it's impossible to get them out of the wood without causing damage. Those kinds of bamboo stakes are used by nurseries to help stabilize trees during shipping or to guide a leader to keep it straight at the nursery, and aren't needed once a tree goes in the ground.

The sooner companion plants can be put in to the tree's root zone, the better, to minimize disturbance, as you pointed out. However, if it's a question of planting now versus next spring, it might not matter that much, so while sooner may be preferable, you can wait or install things in stages if needed. Roots will be thickest closer to the trunk, getting finer as they head outwards, so the further from the trunk you plant, the easier (in theory) it should be to avoid damaging too many major roots. Still, we'd recommend planting the smallest pot size available to reduce the risk of cutting into tree roots. Young plants catch up in growth to older counterparts surprisingly quickly.

Miri

Thank you so much for this information!