Most people would like to see the trees in their yard grow straight and mighty as it should, but sometimes that isn’t the case and the tree has it’s own intentions. Rain, snow, storms and high winds are all factors that can be detrimental to trees in your yard, and of course the malleable young trees with their supple trunks and branches are by far the most at risk. You wake up one morning after a brutal storm, coffee in hand and there it is, mother natures handy work.
Is it possible to re-adjust a newly leaning tree?
How about one that began growing bent in the first place? More often than not, you can remedy most trees that have taken a bent path, if the tree is juvenile enough and if you know what it is you are doing.
It is a common belief amongst arborists that a tree will grow best without the use of a stake, however there are situations where a stake is necessary to correct a tree from leaning.
Saplings for example have a very small root ball and have a hard time supporting their growth on their own. Saplings planted on gusty sites and thinly stemmed trees that have difficulty supporting their own weight are all runner ups for staking
Stakes are used to temporarily support a tree so that it’s root system can establish enough to eventually support itself. When staking, leave the stake in place for a growing season, they should be made with metal or sturdy wood and shouldn’t exceed 5′. Large trees may need more than one stake and guy rope whereas young trees only need one stake and guy rope.
To straighten a tree, drive the stake next to the planting hole and upwind of the tree. Bind the stake and tree trunk with a guy rope or wire but never around the trunk. You should use a flexible material such as rubber or cloth as the young tree has fragile bark and can damage itself as it grows on the wire or rope. Tighten the rope gradually to bring the tree to an upright position.
If you decided that you just want to remove the tree, read our post about the things you need to know before removing the tree.
STRAIGHTENING AN UPROOTED TREE
An uprooted tree that needs to be straightened has a few rules to abide by before the process begins. One half or one third of the rood system has to have a firm grip in the ground. Any roots that are exposed should be undisturbed and undamaged.
Any soil that is under the exposed roots should be gently removed (as much as possible) and then the tree can be straightened. Replant the roots below grade level. The soil should be packed firmly around the roots and the tree can be guy wired with two or three attached to the tree and anchored 10 feet away.
If a tree has it’s roots planted firmly in the ground and the tree is lying flat, your situation is completely hopeless and you should remove the tree as it cannot be salvaged.
Straightening or preventing a leaning tree is not easy, but with some hard work and a bit of knowledge it can be done and you can enjoy your tree for years to come.
Contact Toronto Tree Removal for all your tree service needs.
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