I think the tri pods are not necessary but if it makes you feel better go fot it ...a finger thick stake seems good to me unless you are ..how should I say extreemly small fingered..just make sure the area above and below the graft is attached to the stake especially the top and use a mateial like a flexible tape like it likely now is being used to attach it..plastic bread tistees are ok but be sure to check and change them every few months to make sure they are not cutting in..a flexible material is better but I have used them with no problem .david

Hi there, I use "garden training wire" for my Katsura. Its made for staking and is coated with a soft plastic.

Here is a link that might be useful: Staked using garden training wire