How to Straighten a Bent Tree

Do not expect straightening a tree to be easy.

Trees tend to lean toward the direction where they receive the most sun. Often, this forces a tree to lean. A leaning tree is not necessarily a bad thing, unless it encroaches on a house or leans over a property line. Hiring a tree-removal company to straighten the tree likely will cost a lot of money. You can straighten the tree, but the process is a laborious one.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Shovel
• Padded strap
• Chain
• Truck or tractor
• Grass seed

Instructions

1. Measure the cross section of the trunk at its widest point with a tape measure.

2. Multiply the width of the trunk by 10 to determine the diameter of the circle you must dig around the tree.

3. Dig a 2-foot-deep circle around the trunk of the tree that matches the total you obtained in step 2. Use a shovel to remove the dirt. Place the dirt into a pile, because you must use the dirt later.

4. Wrap a padded strap around the trunk of the tree and connect it to a chain. If you do not use a padded strap, you risk peeling the bark off the tree. Peeling the bark likely will kill the tree. You can usually rent or purchase a padded strap from a tree-removal company.

5. Connect the other end of the chain to a truck, tractor or other vehicle capable of moving the tree.

6. Pull the tree in the direction opposite the lean. Work slowly so you do not damage the bark or snap the trunk in half. If the tree offers significant resistance, dig the hole deeper.

7. Backfill the hole with the dirt you previously removed.

8. Plant grass seed on top of the dirt and then water the seed per the instructions supplied with the grass seed. The watering directions will vary depending on the type of grass, time of year and your location.

References

• This Old House: Straightening a Leaning Tree; Roger Cook; May 2009