this post was submitted on 28 May 2025
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50
Should I worry about keeping this tree straight? (lemmy.world)
submitted 2 weeks ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]
11 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

I just transplanted this service berry tree a month ago. The top branch and new growth are starting to bend over. This area gets occasional high winds and I am concerned about the tree starting to look windswept (guess I chose the right username). I know I should remove the support pole at some point to allow the tree to build up it's strength against wind, but for now should I try to extend it up to hold the new growth straight? Will the overall growth still be straight even if the top branch is bendy?

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[–] [email protected] 9 points 2 weeks ago

Another angle.

[–] [email protected] 6 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

Remove the bottom support and slide it up to where you can attach it with some very soft plant ties.

It will build strength up on its own, but too much wind from one single direction isn’t good either. So weigh your options. If you’ve got wind that does come from all around, probably better to leave it.

Edit, sorry only a month old, leave the old support in still, too soon to remove!

[–] [email protected] 5 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Why can't trees just be gay and love who they wanna love, huh?

[–] [email protected] 6 points 2 weeks ago

That's what my Japanese maple is for, it's practically trying to tie itself in knots.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) (1 children)

You could probably make it a bit longer, but due to the flat landscape around it, I think it will always have bendy top branches. I wouldn't worry too much about it though.

If I had a nickel for every misshapen plant I have, I'd have a lot of money, hahah.

Edit: some farmers plant certain types of trees to break up high winds on flat ground. You could also look into this if your property extends past the fence.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 weeks ago

We do own about 10 feet past the fence, but the fence is sitting on an 8 foot retaining wall so it would be a while before a tree down there has any effect. We are planning on putting a few trees down there.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 weeks ago

I would take the support out entirely unless it absolutely needs it. The only time support is required is when planting bare root trees. It should only be used as needed in other situations. Leaving the support attached will interfere with the tree producing reaction wood and can lead to a weaker tree overall. I would trust the tree to grow towards the sunlight.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

I'd give it a little support, like a thin metal rod, that can flex. Or tie it loosely to a pole, or use something like a tomato cage. I'd be afraid of it not stiffening against the wind if it's too well supported.

But I'm not an expert.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 weeks ago

I think I have some spare fiberglass tent poles somewhere, that could be a good solution for slightly flexible.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 weeks ago

If it's a problem, I would just use taller support poles to help the upper part until it's stronger.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 weeks ago

Most trees are slightly non-uniform. It's just part of who they are. You can set them straight when they are little but eventually, you'll have to let them be.