Most places in the US get to enjoy tall, beautiful trees. This is especially true here in Georgia. However, over time, certain trees begin to develop an observable lean and it's common to wonder why trees lean, and what can be done about it.
Trees may lean due to environmental factors such as wind exposure and slope, leading to asymmetrical growth patterns. Additionally, phototropism (trees growing toward light) and competition for sunlight contribute to leaning. Human activities, soil conditions, and structural damage can also influence a tree's posture.
Most of us are aware that leaning trees are one of the top signs that a tree is about to fall; it's natural to wonder what caused the lean in the first place.
Trees, even those in our own backyard, often exhibit unique growth patterns based on their environment and a number of other factors. In this article, we'll lay out the most common factors that could be influencing the tilt of your tree right outside your window.
There are many reasons that trees lean, but below we've compiled the most common ones:
The environment around your property plays a large role in determining how your tree grows. Frequent strong winds, in particular, can be a powerful force shaping the direction of tree trunks.
If your tree leans in a certain direction, it may be responding to the prevailing winds that regularly sweep through your area.
Astute observers often notice that their trees are leaning a similar direction: towards the direction of most sunlight. Why do trees lean towards the sun?
Like all plants, trees are drawn towards sunlight for photosynthesis. If your tree appears to lean toward a specific light source, it's likely responding to the natural inclination of phototropism, where it grows towards available sunlight, even if it results in a noticeable lean.
In residential areas, trees may be in competition for sunlight with neighboring structures or other trees. This competition can lead to your tree adopting a leaning or bending pattern as it strives to capture as much sunlight as possible in its quest for energy.
Unfortunately, this can often lead to trees that lean on other trees, buildings, or power lines. If this is the case, we recommend getting the opinion of a professional to determine the best course of action for the tree.
The type and health of the soil in your yard can also impact the posture of your tree. If the soil is eroded or lacks stability, your tree may lean as a result.
This is particularly true in wet soils, such as in the case of trees around lakes or ponds. The rising and lowering of the water level can erode the soil over time, resulting in less structural integrity for the roots on one side due to an abnormal weight distribution.
Understanding the soil conditions and providing the necessary nutrients can help maintain a healthier and more upright growth.
Changes to your property, such as construction work or landscaping projects, can impact your tree's growth. This is especially true if you’ve compromised the density or health of the soil near the tree.
Ensure that any human activities around the tree are conducted with care to avoid disturbances to the root system or trunk, which could lead to a noticeable tilt.
Regularly inspect your tree for signs of damage or weakness, or signs that the tree is dying. In addition to the factors listed above, storm damage, pests, diseases, or even accidental damage can compromise a tree's structural integrity, causing it to lean.
Addressing these issues promptly can help prevent further leaning and promote healthier growth, helping you avoid more costly removal, cleanup, and damage mitigation in the future.
We’ve written elsewhere on the site about how to determine if a leaning tree is dangerous, but the rule of thumb we use is that if the tree is leaning 15 degrees or more from vertical, it is probably time to remove a leaning tree (or otherwise address the issue).
Additionally, if the tree starts leaning more over time, it’s probably time to get a professional certified arborist involved to see what can be done.
Don't wait until a tree falls in your yard. If the tree falls, it can be extremely dangerous and can cause massive damage to structures or vehicles in addition to the obvious risk of serious injury to anyone in their path.
Estimates for tree removal and diagnosis of issues with trees are often free – there’s no reason not to play it safe and have the tree checked out.
That leaning tree in your yard is telling a story of its interaction with the environment around your home. By understanding the specific factors influencing its growth, you can develop a plan to keep your property safe.
We advise that you keep an eye on any trees that exhibit a noticeable lean to mitigate any potential disasters in the future. Whether you decide to anchor the tree, remove the tree, remove unsafe branches, or revive a dying tree, diagnosing the tree's issues properly can help you develop a course of action.
If you’re anywhere in North Georgia, get in touch with our tree service for a free estimate. We’ve been working in the tree business for a combined total of over 45 years, and it can’t hurt to get an expert opinion and know what your options are.
Thank you for considering Leaf and Limb for all of your tree care needs. We look forward to working with you and helping to create a beautiful, healthy landscape for your home or business.