Marianne's Response
Suggestions for leaning Japanese Umbrella Pine
My 15+ years old Japanese Umbrella Pine has grown to lean against an outbuilding. I need to get it away from the building to prevent damage. Is this possible without cutting off the top half, as my husband wants to do? I love the tree and don’t want to damage it or lose it. I appreciate any suggestions.
Thank you.
Posted by Ann Myers on May 23, 2016
Marianne's Response
You can try staking the pine into a more upright position and training it to grow away from the house. Use a strong metal stake and several plant ties to secure the trunk of the tree by shoving or leaning against it very slowly so as not to snap off the trunk. The roots may come upwards as you straighten out the trunk so add some mulch to keep them covered. Use Velcro plant ties or some plastic coated wire with foam cushioning so the wire does not cut into the tree bark. You can train the tree much like a bonsai by forcing it to grow in a different direction by readjusting the ties every few months as the tree begins to adjust. Some landscapers use pegs with rope supports much like trussing a tent to redirect the direction of trees and shrubs. Good luck and Keep growing, Marianne Binetti
