Why Is My Tree Leaning?
4 Causes of Leaning Trees
Trees that bend and lean out of character from their natural straight growth pattern can be picturesque and fun for kids to climb. Leaning trees can also be an eyesore and have you wondering if your tree has been damaged or if its health is at risk. If you’re thinking “Is a leaning tree dangerous?”, take a look at these possible reasons you have a leaning tree.
1. Root System/Soil
The root system of your tree and the structure of the soil in which it is planted greatly affect your tree’s leaning. Trees with short root systems require soil that will hold on tight to alleviate the chance of being uprooted. Longer root systems on trees will help keep your tree in place in a mutualistic relationship with the soil. The soil gives the roots something to hold on to while the roots keep the soil in place. An example of this is the extensive root system of the coco palm that thrives and adapts to sandy soil.
2. Strong Winds
Your leaning tree can be a result of being in the path of strong winds over a long time or sometimes hours. Frequent high winds can pummel a tree so hard that the roots begin to pull out of the ground and even large branches can break off. This can happen in a severe storm and can be dangerous to property and human life. You can prepare for strong winds when you plant trees by making sure the soil is adequate for the root system of the trees you are planting. This is not a guarantee that your tree will never lean or pull out of the ground, but it will go a long way towards the safety of your property and loved ones.
3. Disease
Disease can be a major factor in leaning trees to the extent that they could fall down, particularly oak trees. Fungal decay can strip away the layers of the trunk and the bark so that the tree loses the strength to hold itself up. Mushrooms growing on your tree trunk can mean a fungal infection is taking over and affecting your tree’s health.
4. Dangerous or Unsteady Location
Too soft soil where you tree is planted can be the culprit causing your tree to lean. Wet, soggy soil that never has time to dry out or that has little drainage can cause trees to lean and to be unable to right themselves. Ground showing signs of erosion with no steps to correct it would be a dangerous place to plant a new tree, and older trees could require replanting or removal. Trees that are planted near waterways have a tendency to grow towards the source of nourishment. This in itself is not dangerous depending on the type of tree and your soil but be aware of the potential for leaning trees in this locale.
Contact us today at RTEC Tree Care for an extensive consultation and digital proposal for taking care of your leaning tree. We have a team of Certified Arborists who can walk you through diagnosis and treatment of your tree.
