How to Straighten Crab Apple Trees
- 1). Turn the tree away from the sun if the tree is in a pot. Trees will grow in the direction of sunlight, and it will compensate over time by straightening back toward the sun.
- 2). Hammer two wooden or metal stakes into the ground next to the tree on the side the tree is leaning away from. The stakes should be 5 feet long and at least 2 inches by 2 inches.
- 3). Fasten the stakes to the tree using thick rubber straps or rope. Avoid using wire since it can cut into the trunk and damage the crab apple tree. The straps need to be tight enough to hold the tree trunk in a straightened position. Place burlap between the strap and the trunk to help prevent tree damage.
- 4). Leave the stakes in place for one year or until the tree has straightened itself, whichever comes first. You don't want to leave the tree tied to stakes for longer than a year because the tree's growth could then become impeded and the tree could be damaged.