Most homeowners prefer to have their trees grow in a straight and tall fashion. Often, nature may have other ideas that can prevent a tree from growing perfectly upright. Factors such as regular exposure to high wind, rain or other weather can cause a tree to grow at an abnormal angle. Young trees are most at risk especially during storms because their soft branches and young roots which are easier to manipulate.
Can A New Lean Be Fixed?
Every so often a tree will start its life growing with a bend in its trunk. In these instances, if you know how to remedy the situation, you can prevent it from growing bent. If your tree is already grown and it has created an unsafe situation, our Richmond Hill emergency tree services are only a phone call away. While most trees will grow properly without being staked, young trees that have begun to lean can make use of a stake to correct the problem.
Young saplings have smaller root balls which are not enough to support their own growth. When saplings are planted in areas exposed to high amounts of wind they can end up leaning. Trees with thin stems also have trouble supporting themselves and may end up leaning without being staked when they are young.
What Are Tree Stakes?
Tree stakes are a firm rod used to help support a tree during its growth stages. Stakes will offer the tree support while its roots take hold and strengthen enough to support the tree on their own. Proper staking is when a piece of wood or metal is secured to a tree with a guy rope. This support will need to stay there for a least a full growing season to correct any instance of leaning.
How to Stake a Young Tree
To properly stake a tree in order to help it grow straight, plant the stake in a planting hole upwind and next to the tree in question. Next, the tree and stake will need to be bound together with a guy rope. Make sure to use gentle and flexible material such as cloth or rubber to prevent damage to the bark of the tree. Gently tighten the rope to straighten the tree and allow it to remain in place for a growing season.
How to Stake A Uprooted Tree
An uprooted tree that is leaning can also be corrected with a stake. Before you follow the process above, make sure that at least half or a third of the root system remains intact and in place in the ground. Exposed roots should have the excess soil under them removed prior to straightening the tree. After removing excess soil and straitening the tree, replant the roots just under the grade level. Make sure to pack the soil firmly and guy wire the tree with a stake that is anchored at least ten feet away.
Any tree that is lying flat but has its roots firmly in the ground can’t be saved. In this instance, you will need to have the tree removed.
How Five Star Tree Services Can Help
If you are in need of advice for your leaning trees or if you would like us to come by for an evaluation, give us a call. Our caring Richmond Hill tree care team are standing by at (416) 990-3355 to take your call.