If you notice that a tree is leaning in your yard, you might think it’s going to fall and cause damage or an injury. That’s not always the case. Younger trees often start leaning because of poor soil conditions or extreme weather – and fixes are possible.
In this blog post, we’ll cover a few ways you can fix a leaning tree problem. You can also call Oregon Arborist for the best tree services in Gaston, OR, and a professional arborist assessment to determine your tree’s long-term care strategy.
The Real Reason Trees Start Leaning
Gaston, Oregon, gets nearly 10 more inches of rain each year than the national average. Strong winds blow that rain sideways and push against anything with shallow roots. With the ground soft and soaked, young trees that don’t have strong roots can easily start to lean.
If you’re worried about a suspicious-looking tree in your yard, a proper root system evaluation will show if it can recover or needs to come down.
How To Fix a Young Leaning Tree
An arborist will usually attempt a tree restoration while the ground is still wet. Make sure to wait until late spring when the ground fully thaws or, even better, push it to summer. Gaston, Oregon, gets plenty of rain during the summertime, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding the right conditions during this season.
If the tree is young and small enough to move without machinery, just push it upright using slow and even pressure. Once it’s standing straight, install angled stakes or soft straps to hold it in place. Flexible support structures won’t damage the bark and will allow the tree to flex slightly so that it grows even stronger.
Can You Right a Mature Leaning Tree?
Fixing a mature tree takes more effort, but it’s still possible if the roots are intact.
Start by checking the soil. If it feels wet and loose, that’s your best chance to move the tree without breaking roots. You may also need to perform soil stabilization to keep it upright.
Use a pulley system or hand winch to slowly pull the tree upright. Slow and steady pulling avoids tree damage. Once it’s in position, set up tree cabling systems between the leaning tree branches and a strong anchor like a buried post.
Cables may need to stay in place for years while the roots reestablish. During that time, do everything you can to support long-term tree health restoration. It will be worth it!
Let Our Local Arborist Help!
It might feel disconcerting to see that your tree is leaning, but if you understand why and what you can do about it, you can avert falls that will cause damage or injuries. Still, every situation is different, and it’s not always easy to tell if your tree can recover.
Why not call the professionals at Oregon Arborist for expert tree care from a certified arborist? These experts know exactly how to handle leaning trees the right way. Call Oregon Arborist at (503) 899-4166.