This isn't exactly pond related, but I'm sure someone here knows about this.

1 year ago we planted some 20' tall maple trees and some 10' tall oaks. They're staked up to prevent blowing over, and I've been watering them with 10 gallons of water each once per week over the summer, and occasionally over the winter if it's dry for a while.

Eventually I'd like them to be stand alone trees that take care of themselves without stakes or watering. When is it generally safe to take out the stakes and to stop watering them?

I'm in NE Oklahoma (zone 7) and live on a hill with few trees, so it gets very windy sometimes. Thanks!