Straighting trees

[ottertailguy]

I have two trees that either have a bend or are not growing straight up. My question does attaching a rope or cable really work. If they do work how long does it take and what are your experience's with this issue. That's for your imput.

[Powerstroke]

I would be curious to see what you're referring to. Most of the time if a tree is growing to the side or leaning it is trying to move towards the sun in some way or growing away from another tree that is obstructing it. Another theory is it was planted at an angle, but even then a tree with enough room to grow starts growing straight up on its own.

Another cause would be poor genetics or poor nursery care and the tree wasn't pruned properly to give it good structure.

Staking out a tree is normally used to keep a tree upright until the roots take rather than trying to straighten a tree. Maybe some of the guys who've done more work with younger trees can give you some better ideas.

[IFallsRon]

Here's what I've seen with a curved boulevard tree maybe 5-6 inches in diameter and pretty tall:

There was a plank (not sure of size) staked into the ground and notched to cradle the tree maybe 1/3 or a little more up from the ground and into the back of the curve. Then there was a rope or cable cradled with a hose maybe at the top of the the curve or a little lower pulling it against the pressure of the plank. I think there was a stick in the rope/cable to act as a turnbuckle to adjust the pressure.

I think they worked the tree over a number of years and last I remember the contraption was gone and the tree looked pretty straight. I'll make a point of driving by and taking a look.

I'd add that trees generally find their own growth path and you might not live long enough to see them reach their potential.

[eurolarva]

The storm we had three years ago left a lot of trees at an angle here in Brooklyn Park. Even after three years a lot of people still have them hooked to the cable to straighten them. My pine are still listing but slowly correcting.