Knowledgebase

Staking a 10 yr old leaning tree that was knocked sideways #869024

Asked May 18, 2024, 1:29 PM EDT

I have an Arnold Sentinel Spruce that is about 10 years old and 12 feet high (it's about 4' wide). Last summer a large branch on a nearby tree fell on the tree and partially toppled it, to the point the tree and root ball was leaning at about 45 degrees. Root ball was not unearthed but it can't stand upright on it's own. The tree has survived thus far and I had used rope to attach the upper trunk to a fence for stability. It was recently toppled again with a heavy spring snow and broke the ropes. Unassisted, it leans at about a 25 degree angle as seen in the picture. I am considering driving in two tree stakes to the opposite sides of the tree to stabilize. In doing so, how many years will the staking be required until this tree can stand on it's own - or is it a lost cause?

Secondly, another tree of same species next to it was also trunk-bent from heavy spring snow at the top 1/3. Will it straighten on it's own or should I affix some type of wooden rod along the trunk to help brace it upright? You can see this tree in the background of the same image attached of the leaning tree.

Denver County Colorado

Expert Response

According to this fact sheet from Nebraska Extension https://nfs.unl.edu/Storm%20Damage%20series%20Mobile.pdf older trees that have been tipped out of their planting hole by a storm rarely make it in the long run; younger trees have better chances. It might be that yours tipped this year because it never established after the damage last summer. It's worth trying to right it, but maybe keep your expectations low. It might be worth having an arborist do an inspection to probe the root damage, assess the likelihood of success and professionally stake it.
Colorado Master Gardener, Denver County Replied May 23, 2024, 2:51 PM EDT

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