How to Shape a Fruit Tree With Wood and Rope

As a young fruit tree becomes laden with fruit, the trunk can bend under the weight. A bent trunk can be detrimental to the long-term growth of the tree, so you must correct this condition as soon as possible. One of the most common methods for straightening the trunk of the tree is by using wood and rope to brace, support and shape the trunk through the fruiting season.

6-inch round wooden garden stake
Large hammer or mallet
Garden hose
Garden shears
Heavy rope

Instructions

- 1
  Pick any ripe fruit from the tree and remove any dead limbs or foliage. Removing excess weight from the tree will make the shaping process more effective.
- 2
  Identify the direction in which the tree is leaning. The tree will need to be staked in the opposite direction.
- 3
  Drive a 6-inch round wooden garden stake into the ground, four feet from the base of the tree, on the side opposite the lean. The length of the stake should be approximately about 5 feet long. Hammer the stake with a large hammer or mallet until at least 15 inches of the stake is below ground.
- 4
  Cut a 6-inch length of garden hose, using a pair of garden shears. If you have an old garden hose, you can trim a small section from the end. If you do not have a hose at home, many garden centers and hardware stores will allow you to purchase a damaged or leaky hose at a generous discount. For especially small trees, with a trunk diameter 2 inches or less, the hose may be substituted with a section of rubber tubing.
- 5
  Thread a heavy rope through the garden hose.
- 6
  Wrap the rope around the tree, with the garden hose pressed against the trunk. The hose will prevent the rope from digging into the tree's bark. This technique works best on younger trees, with a trunk diameter of 5 inches or less.
- 7
  Pull the two free ends of the rope back to the stake, gently easing the trunk straighter. Do not pull too hard, to avoid damaging the tree. The rope should be taut enough to exert pressure against the trunk, but should still have a slight amount of give. Test the rope for tightness by pulling it downward and releasing it quickly. If it springs quickly back into place, the rope is appropriately tightened. If you have difficulty pulling the rope downward, release a small amount of tension.
- 8
  Wrap the rope around the stake, and tie it in place.
- 9
  Cut away any excess rope with the garden shears.
- 10
  Check the tension on the rope every few days. Re-tighten the ropes to remove any slack. Continue this procedure until the tree reaches your desired shape.

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