- 1). Leave the tree alone if it has only a slight lean and is growing in a location where the leaning won't cause any issues. A tree that leans only slightly can grow to its normal height without problems as long as it doesn't interfere with the growth of other plants or invade the space of a structure.
- 2). Straighten a leaning tree if the tree leans substantially to one side. If the tree has more than a 10-percent lean, the tree is likely to become too top heavy as it grows, which may cause the tree to eventually tip over.
- 3). Deepen the hole that the tree is planted in and straighten the tree if the roots or the root collar of the tree can be seen above the ground. If this is the case, the tree is not planted deeply enough and is likely to continue leaning and eventually fall.
- 4). Remove any large branches that are causing the tree to lean. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, a branch that is out of proportion to the rest of the tree's crown is likely to pose a tipping hazard. Prevent this by cutting the branch from the tree just above the branch collar, where it meets the tree, and then straighten the leaning tree if it's still necessary.
- 5). Wrap wires around the tree to straighten it, if necessary. Place padding between the wires and the bark, and stake the wires to the ground to hold the tree upright. Dig around the roots of the tree to loosen them from the soil. Push the tree upright, return the soil to the base of the tree and press the soil into place around the roots and tree's base. Leave the stakes and wires anchoring the tree for five to six weeks--until the tree has the chance to establish new roots.
- 6). Pull the tree up out of the hole completely after loosening the roots if the tree's roots or root collar were showing. Dig the hole deeper by approximately 1 foot and replant the tree into the hole. Return the soil to the base of the tree and firm it into place. Anchor the tree to stakes in ground for five to six weeks to allow it to reestablish its root system.
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