Bent Autumn Blaze Maple Tree

[BrandX]

I bought this autumn blaze maple last year and didn't notice it was bent (to this extent) until I removed the bamboo stalk early this year. I did stake it for about four or five months when it was first planted but I feel like that did nothing to improve the bending. I've read where it will eventually work itself straight over time, so I'm looking for advice,should I try staking again or just let nature take its course? Thanks!

[Stubby]

8 hours ago, BrandX said:

I bought this autumn blaze maple last year and didn't notice it was bent (to this extent) until I removed the bamboo stalk early this year. I did stake it for about four or five months when it was first planted but I feel like that did nothing to improve the bending. I've read where it will eventually work itself straight over time, so I'm looking for advice,should I try staking again or just let nature take its course? Thanks!

I wouold just leave it .

[Khriss]

Reduce back that over extended leader on left, widen planting pit and mulch it. Clearly a feature tree in yr garden, it will need room to grow without competing with the grass. K

[BrandX]

Thank you Khriss. How much would you suggest I reduce back? Thanks!

[Khriss]

5 hours ago, BrandX said:

Thank you Khriss. How much would you suggest I reduce back? Thanks!

From that pic, there is a little cluster below the left hand leader tip,  aim for that, then come back to me in 30 years time 😉  k

[Mick Dempsey]

Could be phototropism caused by the large tree that’s throwing shadow in the picture.

What time of day was the photo taken?

[Retired Climber]

1 hour ago, Mick Dempsey said:

Could be phototropism caused by the large tree that’s throwing shadow in the picture.

What time of day was the photo taken?

Agree. It's growing away from the shade of whatever was behind you when you took that photo. 

[agg221]

If it's phototropism then cutting back will just result in recurrence. The alternative is to bend it to shape. If you tie in a pole with bicycle inner tube and leave it for a year it will stay straight. Of course, it will probably still bend away higher up.

 

Alec

[nepia]

Doesn't look like it's in deep shade to me and the OP said it was bent when he bought the tree. I'm with options A or B; leave it alone or take out the tip of the leader, then leave it alone.

[Mick Dempsey]

Maybe, curious that the leaves on the ‘shady’ side haven’t opened compared to the other side.

 

Be good to get another picture/perspective.

[trigger_andy]

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