How Much Force Does It Take to Move a Leaning Tree?

Situations

• A tree may lean for any number of reasons, not all of them particularly causes for concern. Certainly one may grow off-kilter in response to topographic or soil-structure variation. Often trees that took root off plumb will correct naturally, commonly reflecting their early lean in a kinked lower trunk. But a lean may also stem from structural damage: The roots might be compromised, for example, or a radically asymmetrical canopy may be weighting down the tree. A powerful windstorm can tilt a tree, as can inundation of the soil. A leaning tree marked by a mound at its base opposite the tilt -- betraying a lurch of the roostock -- may be at risk of toppling.

Correcting the Lean

• Bringing a leaning tree back to plumb can take plenty of force, though in many situations it is possible. Hiring a professional arborist to assess the situation and attempt a fix is typically best, though experienced and careful landowners might look to do it themselves. A common method is to loosen the rootstock, cable the trunk and, using the leverage of a snug stake and plenty of muscle power or a truck, tractor, winch or other mechanical device to pull, easing the tree back in line. Wetting the soil ahead of such treatment can make the job easier. In such cases, the cable must be coated – as with canvas, burlap or similar materials – where it comes in contact with the trunk to avoid damaging the tree. Depending on the situation, it may be necessary to conduct this correction in stages to prevent damage to the roots, and to keep the tree anchored long enough for it to establish itself in the new position.

Windthrown Trees

• Despite the seriousness of the situation, a tree that has been partly uprooted by wind -- with its rootstock wrenched from place and partly exposed -- may be straightened and restored to health. If the rootstock isn’t bulging or visible, the tree may have snapped underground; in such a case, the severed trunk obviously can’t be returned to place. Such fixes are best done soon after the storm by excavating the ground under the tilted rootstock, straightening the tree, back-filling, watering and mulching. The tree should ideally be secured with three guying anchors until its roots re-establish firmly.

Felling

• A professional arborist may decide a leaning tree must be felled if correcting the tilt is too complicated or is pointless. As might be expected, felling a leaning tree in the direction of its tilt is easiest, but may not always be feasible, depending on the particular surroundings. In such a case, the specialist generally calculates the back lean and lift required to ease the tree away from its sag and then carefully bring it down.