For most gardeners, the sight of perfectly grown, vigorous plants is a source of joy and pride. Be that as it may, a question often asked is how to straighten a tree the right way. You expect your plants to grow strong and tall to showcase the ideal landscape. In spite of that, nature sometimes has its ways to deviate from what is often expected. As a usual example, tall trees such as oak trees, willow, and pine trees can bend and lean as a result of harsh weather conditions.
Pine Trees
Pine Trees
As a gardener, caring and maintaining for trees or plants are an utmost priority. Making sure they get enough sunlight and water, going through the process of pruning, and using sprayers against pests are just a few essential things a gardener must do. And to ensure the overall look of the garden is flawless, keeping trees standing tall and straight is another important task to complete. In this article, I will share a quick guide on how to straighten a tree the right way.

Things You Will Need

Before starting any project, make sure that you have everything that you need. Here is the list of things you will need to complete this task.

1. Protective gear

Make sure safety is always your priority for every project you do. Wear protective gloves as well as a pair of sturdy work boots or any protective footwear while accomplishing this task.

2. Stakes

You can use wooden stakes for trees shorter than 12 feet. For taller and heavier trees, you can opt to use metal stakes. (Tip: Make notches on the wooden stakes to make it easier for you to wrap the wire around it later on. Metal stakes usually have holes or notches in them already.)

3. Canvas Strapping

You also need to prepare two pieces of canvas strapping measuring to about 2 feet long each.

(Tip: As alternatives, you can also use anything with a broad surface that can stretch a little and will not cause damage to the tree.

4. Coils of wire

A few feet long coils of wire are also required to secure the straps and stakes. You would need two sets of coils of wire for this project.

5. Hammer or mallet

Use a hammer or mallet to pound the stakes into the ground.

Step by Step Guide

Pine Trees
Pine Trees
Once you have gathered all the vital tools for this project, you can promptly go through the process of straightening a tree. Here are the steps you need to follow.
  1. Choose and assess the tree that needs straightening. Not all trees need to go through this process. Check the tree if it really needs to be braced for straightening. Once you have selected the tree that needs bracing, you can proceed to the next step.
  2. The next step is to drive the stakes into the ground. The most crucial thing you need to keep in mind is to avoid driving the stakes into the root-ball of the tree. If this happens, this will damage the roots of the tree and weaken it. Determine the spots outside the root-ball area of the tree. Using a hammer or mallet, drive the stakes at least 12 to 18 inches deep.

    (Tip: If in case you feel the stakes are wobbly or not sturdy enough, keep going until it is stable enough.)

  3. Using the canvas strap or any of alternative to it that you can find, wrap it around the trunk of the tree. The ideal spot is halfway from the first branches of the tree. Carefully thread the wire through the canvas loops and around the notch or the holes of the first stake. Make sure to spare a little room for the tree to sway.

    (Tip: When using wire, make sure to avoid damaging the trunk and branches of the tree. It is best to prevent the wire from coming in contact with the trunk and branches.)

  4. On the opposite side of where the first stake was driven through the ground, do the same using the second stake. The distance between the tree and the two stakes should be adequately equal. Remember to avoid the root-ball area of the tree, and the stake should be at least 12 to 18 inches deep. Using the second piece of canvas, wrap it above or below the first piece. Using a wire, thread it again through the canvass loops and around the notch or holes of the second stake this time. Remember to give space for the tree to sway a little.
  5. After one growing season, it is recommended to remove the brace from the tree. Start by removing the stakes, followed by the wires and canvas. Assess if the tree is sturdy and straight. If in case the tree is still crooked or unstable, re-apply the brace using the stakes, canvas straps, and wires and do another assessment after another season.

Conclusion

Every gardener has a vision of not having trees in their garden grow in a bad direction. Like me, it is conclusive that what you are aiming for is a garden landscape that is picturesque. With the method that you have just learned through this article, that can now be a possibility. Now that you have learned the steps on how to complete this project, you can give it a try. Following this quick guide on how to straighten a tree the right way can make anyone complete this project without much worry.

Did you find this article helpful? Was it able to resolve your concerns about how to straighten a tree? Were you able to follow the step by step guide? Do you have other ideas regarding this topic? I would like to hear your thoughts. If you have feedback and suggestions leave a comment below.