Question about my Tulip Poplar trunk...

Solomon

Hello. I'm new to this tree stuff, so please take it easy on me!

About a month ago I planted a small Tulip Poplar. It is thriving pretty good as far as I can tell. I didn't notice until after I planted it that the trunk isn't exactly straight, with a "curve" near the very bottom of the trunk. I think this was due to the staking that was done at the nursery.

My questions:

Will this cause a problem as the tree grows?

If it is a problem, should I just find a better one?

Is there anything I can do to help the tree grow straight? If so, what and how?

You'll also notice that toward the top of the tree, it is leaning "left" in general. I think this is caused by some high winds lately. Should I stake it, or just let it go?

Thanks. I love the site.

sueann

Heya Solomon. I'm not a tree expert but have planted lots now and always stake them so they grow straight and not get bendy like in the winds. They seem to be not set in the ground first up so I think they need the support so the roots don't get too disturbed, and get a chance to settle.

Sorry I can't help you with that other stuff but someone is sure to.

spartek

I think the tree will be fine, just keep it staked as to "pursuade the lean". Good luck and thanks for the post.

Davo The Terrible

Ideally, trees should not be staked - they need to move with the wind in order to develop a strong trunk (they form anchor roots & reaction wood in response to how they move in the wind). However, sometimes it is needed, and when it is, it is important that the tree is still allowed to move some in the wind. See diagram for an example.



Key points:

1. Ensure the stakes are not rubbing against or touching the trunk
2. Ensure the stakes are not driven through the rootball of the tree
3. Use a flexible tie that will not damage the tree (50mm hessian webbing is the preferred choice over here in Australia).

Re-stating the above - No stake at all is the preferred choice for trees.
From the limited info I can gather from the pics, I would say you do not need to stake.

Regarding the "bend" in the trunk; it will stay with the tree for life, but I don't think it is, or will be very noticeable or problematic.

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southsoundtree

Trees are only straight in diagrams. Poles and lumber will be straight after milling or peeling. Otherwise, trees are tree shaped.

jmcg.insight.gardens

Nice reply, Davo the Terrible, nice work...............



Julie

Solomon

Thanks to everything, Davo the Terrible in particular. Very helpful.

I think I'm going to leave the tree unstaked and see what happens. It seems to straiten out some at the top once the wind dies down.

sueann

I nearly had a heart attack till I got to the diagram! That's the way I have been staking my trees as I saw that diagram (or similar) somewhere.

I'm sure I read that the roots should be kept as steady as possible till they are more set in the ground though.

Is that not true then?