Having trees in our yards can add beauty and offers many health benefits, but can sometimes tip to one side. When this happens, you may wonder if you can do anything to restore it to upright condition and promote healthy, straight growth. Fortunately, you can take steps to help trees of any size become straight once more.
Arborist Aboard, Odessa’s tree service company, has years of experience dealing with tree problems that start at the base and curved trees. Learn how to straighten a curved tree trunk with this helpful guide, then get in touch with our personable and professional tree service team in Odessa, FL.
Why Do Trees Curve and Bend?
Crooked trees can be unsightly and frustrating, and several reasons can cause this common problem.
Whether it’s from severe storms, windy conditions, or improper planting, it can be easy for trees to curve, especially when they’re still developing. It’s best to straighten them with stakes and ties when they’re small and young, as large trees could require the assistance of a professional tree service.
When trees are young, their roots haven’t yet developed enough to anchor themselves firmly in place. They end up leaning and needing some additional support. Trees with wet bases and surroundings are also more likely to move around as they have flexibility in the ground and lean.
How to Straighten a Curved Tree Trunk
Prune plants surrounding your bent tree, and clear away obstacles before starting the straightening process.
1. Installing the Stakes
Place five or six-foot stakes around the tree at equidistance and at around 15 feet. You can use metal or wood stakes for better stability, as they work well for medium to large-sized trees. Ensure the stakes are at a 45 degree angle for the best results.
You want to secure the stakes like a Y shape, placing two stakes on either side of the tree. Plant the third stake on the opposite side of the bend, as this piece will help pull it upright over time, encouraging its natural positioning.
2. Anchoring the Trees with Ties
You can use ropes, protected cables (underneath a hose), or cloth, depending on the size of the tree and the material quality, to connect the trunk and the stakes. Take time to adjust the trees’ positioning as they should have some slack to move around a bit.
You will slowly pull the trees more upright over a season or year-long period. Don’t attempt to make the tree completely straight in one session!
3. Monitoring the Trees
Every two weeks or so, you can move the trees’ position. Check how straight the trees’ positions are and monitor changes. When learning how to straighten a curved tree trunk, don’t girdle the trunk by making the ropes too tight.
You can adjust the tension of the ropes or cables as the process progresses.
Helpful Tips for Straightening Curved Tree Trunks
Some recommendations we have for achieving straight and stable trees are:
- Don’t leave the wooden stakes in for too long! One season may be enough for support.
- Working with moist soil during the straightening process can help with movement.
- Large trees may require cabling or movement with professional machinery.
Contact Arborist Aboard for Tree Services in Odessa, FL
Hopefully, you now know how to straighten a curved tree trunk. If you need help with concern or want to know what to do about a tree with damaged bark, reach out to the experienced team at Arborist Aboard, serving Odessa, FL, and the surrounding areas.
Some of the top tree services we offer include:
- Tree removal
- Tree trimming
- Tree pruning
- Stump grinding
Call (813) 920-4410 for your free estimate from the best tree professional in and around Odessa. Contact us today!
