Why Is Your Tree Leaning?

The sight of a tree leaning can be alarming. Why is the tree doing that? Is it dangerous? Can the tree be saved, or does it require tree removal in Waterloo? The answers to these questions depend on what caused the tree to lean in the first place and whether it occurred suddenly or gradually. In the latter case, the lean in the tree may not pose a threat, but in the former case, there may be no choice but to take the tree down.

What Causes Trees To Lean?

If a young tree has access to adequate sunlight, it will usually grow straight up. If there isn’t direct sunlight in the spot where the tree is planted, it will grow toward the light, developing a lean over time.

If a tree that was previously straight and upright suddenly develops a lean, it is often because of weather conditions. Sustained periods of heavy rain may cause the soil to soften. As a result, it may no longer be adequate to support the weight of the tree.

Is a Leaning Tree Dangerous?

Whether a leaning tree is dangerous or not depends on why the tree is leaning and how suddenly it came on. A tree that develops a lean gradually is typically not dangerous. Its weight may be unevenly distributed, but it will grow counterbalance roots that compensate for that and keep the tree sturdy.

However, if the tree is suddenly tilted toward your house, this is a potentially dangerous situation. Heavy rains may be accompanied by strong winds that may contribute to the lean. If the tree is already unstable, the wind may be strong enough to push it over. Even without strong winds, a tree with its structural integrity damaged may eventually lose its fight against gravity and fall over on its own without strong winds to push it.

Is It Possible To Straighten a Leaning Tree?

It may be possible to straighten a tree that has recently begun leaning with bracing or staking. This is more likely to succeed if the tree is still young and immature. Straightening it allows it to take better root and become more stable. Attempts to straighten a mature tree that recently started leaning are less likely to succeed.

If a tree developed a lean gradually by growing toward the sunlight, it is probably not possible to straighten it. It is also probably not necessary because the tree has had time to develop counterbalance roots and is likely stable. In this situation, you might wish to straighten the tree for aesthetic reasons, but there is no risk involved in allowing the tree to lean.

Can a Leaning Tree Be Saved?

It may be possible to save a leaning tree even if it is not possible to straighten it up again. If the lean has developed because of uneven weight distribution, then it may be possible to achieve a better balance by pruning the heavier side to remove some of the excess weight.

A sudden lean that develops after a storm could indicate a compromise of the structural integrity of the entire tree, including the root system. A mature tree is unlikely to recover from such extensive damage. It may be possible to save the tree, but the most likely scenario is that it will have to be removed. You should consult a tree surgeon to be sure.

Why Should You Call Martin’s Tree Service for Tree Removal in Waterloo?

Martin’s Tree Service has been the answer to the query “tree removal near me” since 2009. We perform not only removal but full tree care and service, including pruning and emerald ash borer treatments, as well as stump grinding and mulching. Consult with us about whether it is possible to save your leaning tree and, if not, what tree removal entails.