Can I fix a leaning tree without removing it?
- Aaron Cull
- Sep 4
- 3 min read
If you’ve noticed a tree in your yard starting to lean, you might be wondering, can it be saved, or does it need to come down? In many cases, a leaning tree can be corrected without removal, but it depends on the tree’s age, condition, and the reason it started leaning in the first place.
At Evergreen LTD, our ISA-certified arborists specialize in stabilizing trees safely and effectively, without resorting to unnecessary removal. Here's what you need to know.
Why Do Trees Lean?
Leaning trees are common across Calgary due to:
Improper planting: Burying the root flare or planting too shallow.
Unstable soil: Calgary’s clay-heavy or waterlogged soils don’t anchor roots well.
Wind exposure: Strong Chinooks and storms can stress roots and shift trunks.
Light competition: Trees near buildings or fences often lean toward sunlight.
Understanding the cause is the first step. Evergreen LTD starts every job with a thorough on-site assessment to determine the best course of action.
Fixing Leaning Young Trees (1–3 Years Old)
For recently planted trees, especially those less than 3 years old, we can often correct a lean with proper support techniques:
1. Staking and Straightening
We moisten the surrounding soil to make adjustments easier.
The tree is carefully repositioned upright using controlled force.
Stakes are driven into the ground at a 45° angle, upwind of Calgary’s dominant wind direction.
2. Securing with Tree Straps
We use flexible, broad tree straps, not bare rope or wire, to avoid bark damage.
Ties are placed just below the first major branches to allow natural sway.
Stakes remain for at least one full growing season to help roots re-establish.
3. Monitoring and Adjustment
Evergreen revisits or instructs homeowners to inspect the support system regularly, especially after storms.
Once stable, the system is removed and the tree is monitored for relapse.
Think your young tree can be saved? Contact Evergreen LTD for expert staking and correction.
Fixing Leaning Mature Trees
Older, more established trees need more advanced support systems. Evergreen LTD offers professional-grade solutions that are both safe and non-destructive.
1. Pruning to Rebalance
We reduce the weight on the heavier side of the lean.
Strategic thinning also reduces wind resistance during Calgary’s storm season.
2. Cabling and Guying
Cabling: High-strength steel cables are installed between branches to distribute stress.
Guying: Anchors are installed in the ground with tension cables to help realign the tree slowly over time.
3. Bracing for Structural Weakness
For trees with cracks or weak trunk sections, steel rods (bracing) can reinforce the structure.
Often used alongside cabling to create a comprehensive support system.
All mature tree supports should be handled by trained professionals. Evergreen LTD ensures compliance with ISA safety standards and long-term tree health.
Don’t risk it, schedule an assessment with Evergreen LTD to support your leaning mature tree.
When Leaning Trees Can’t Be Saved
In some situations, correction isn't safe or effective:
The trunk is hollow or decayed.
Over 50% of the root system is compromised.
The lean has worsened significantly despite support.
The tree poses an immediate hazard to people or property.
Evergreen’s 5-Step Tree Stabilization Process
Assessment – We inspect root health, trunk integrity, and lean severity.
Diagnosis – We determine whether staking, cabling, or removal is appropriate.
Execution – We install professional supports with non-invasive tools.
Monitoring – We schedule follow-ups or guide you on checking system integrity.
Final Evaluation – Once stable, we remove supports and confirm long-term health.
Trust Calgary’s Certified Arborists
Correcting a leaning tree should not be a DIY weekend job, it requires the right tools, knowledge, and a strong understanding of tree biology. Evergreen LTD brings decades of Calgary-specific expertise, ISA certification, and a focus on safety and preservation.
Whether you’ve got a sapling that needs staking or a towering spruce tilting toward your roof, we’re here to help.
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