Beginner Gardening: tree leaning over, 1 by DaleTheGardener

DaleTheGardener wrote:
Jenn,

Your tree looks pretty big, which makes it a challenge. It can be done, but, it will take time.

If you call a professional tree company they will probably recommend cables. They put metal or metal & concrete anchors in the ground, then eye bolts in the tree and run the cable between the two.

If you want to try to straighten it out as a family project you will need at least a couple husky folks. And supplies.

You will need to steel cable it and secure the cables to anchors in the ground. It would take a couple pages of explaining, I hope you know someone who is familiar with all kinds of materials. I will give you a brief overview based on the ones I have done in the past.

As an anchor you can use heavy rebar bent into a tight U shape and driven into the ground at an angle. The angle should be opposite the way the tree leans. You will need the two anchors about 45-60 degrees apart, opposite the lean of the tree pounded in at about 75 degrees. Buy a piece of rebar that is 6' and bend it so each side is about 3', doesn't have to be perfect. In rocky soils it can be difficult to get it into the ground. Make sure not more than 2-3" shows above ground level.

Drill a small pilot hole in the tree and insert 2 good size eye bolts put them at different heights, 8" apart in height and 45 degrees from each other on the trunk. Makes sure the cable can run straight from the eye bolt to the anchor without touching the bark.

Measure the distance from the tree to the anchor, buy 2 pieces of steel cable that are 3" longer than that distance, measure carefully, measure the distance by using a rope or some material that won't stretch, then measure that with a tape measure. Buy 8 sets of clamps for that size cable.

Go to a good local hardware store, a small place, not the big box stores. They will be able to set you up with the right sized materials. Rebar can be bought at the big box store.

Put the cable on the tree eye bolts and make sure it is clamped on securely. Do not use more than about 6 inches of over lap, make that end 'neat', no loose ends.

Push the tree back towards its upright position. Do not push too hard Do not use a pick up truck, use two people with 2x4's. Use some padding on the ends of the 2x4's at the tree. Push until the tree begins to 'resist', in other words push until it becomes difficult. If you push too hard it will crack the roots. Hold it there or brace it in place.

Have two people at the anchors, the first clamp goes on closest to the anchors. Have the clamps on the cable loosely and pull the cable tight. It helps to have someone pull the end of the cable, tight as possible, with a vise grip to do the best job. The second clamp goes on the end of the cable, to keep it neat.

Over time you will have to repeat this process, it can take 3-4 years.

I will add a schetch, but, this site does not support high resolution and it may not come out clearly, I will give it a try anyway>