Windblown Juniper.

[Countryside Services]

Hi can anybody offer any advice on staking this Juniper? Customer planted it 5 years ago, and in the high winds a few weeks ago, the top is now of centre by approx 2', with quite a lot of movement in the root ball. They don't want to loose it, as it gives them a good shield from the monstrosity of a house that was built next door, last year.

[kentjames]

I have rescued similar with a good solid wood post and brace and a ratchet strap (you could use a winch to bring it up but if not available then a good 5 ton ratchet works). Once upright strap it with a strong anchor or sacrifice the ratchet and leave it in place. Best to use a strop to act as a cambium saver and it will need checking regularly.

 

I saved my own 25ft conifer about 7 yrs ago and it soon compensated with new roots and the support system was removed after 18 months with minimal damage.

 

I'm sure many others will have more complex solutions but for a low tech simple one, try that.

 

J

[openspaceman]

I have rescued similar with a good solid wood post and brace and a ratchet strap (you could use a winch to bring it up but if not available then a good 5 ton ratchet works). Once upright strap it with a strong anchor or sacrifice the ratchet and leave it in place. Best to use a strop to act as a cambium saver and it will need checking regularly.

 

I saved my own 25ft conifer about 7 yrs ago and it soon compensated with new roots and the support system was removed after 18 months with minimal damage.

 

I'm sure many others will have more complex solutions but for a low tech simple one, try that.

 

J

 

The problem with simply winching it upright is that the soil will have moved and this will create a fulcrum to stress the roots which are simply bent atm. I'd excavate a trench to relive this and backfill with something the roots will easily regrow into. Also keep any guy as near the bottom as you dare.

 

Yes it looks well doable.

[treeseer]

If the rootball is moving after 5 years in the ground, roots are circling, not establishing support. Digging around it is key for re-settling, yes, but pulling apart some of those roots and aiming them outward might improve chances of stability long-term.

 

Also it looks like the juniper is in need of pruning to lessen lean.

[Countryside Services]

Thank you all for your thoughts on this. I have submitted a quote. So I shall see what comes of it. Have a good weekend guys.