Can this pine be saved??

[GerardC]

The high winds that we had over the weekend uprooted this tree /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif. Doesn't look to me as if the roots were very deep to begin with and the trunk did not grow straight. The 2 trees are growing next to the road behind a bank. Would like to save it but never had this kind of problem before.

What would be the best way for me to tackle this.

Thanks. Gerard

 

[GerardC]

A close up of the roots. Gerard

 

[stephan]

The pictures are very dark, particularly the first one. Could you re-post?

 

[GerardC]

Yes, they are on the dark side. I'll have to take some others tomorrow. Gerard

 

[beenthere]

Lightened up the pic a bit (added brightener). You may be able to dig out under the root ball and get it to drop back into the hole. Then 'tie' the tree and hope the roots grow out to hold it better. But you are taking a chance. Doubt it is bad enough to kill the tree, so just tieing it may be sufficient for your needs.

 

[Youare]

Pine tree root systems are pretty fragile and don't like to be disturbed. You could mount up some dirt over the exposed roots and wash it in with water. I don't think you will be able to right the tree and have it as it was before without doing more damage to the root system.

Also the remaining roots will have to hold the tree against future wind. When spring time comes and the ground gets soft another good wind could finish the job. The tree behind it is the only thing saving it from coming all the way over.

Too bad, it looks like a nice tree.

Randy

 

[normde2001]

It apppears to have "blown upright". I would stake it down with a length of wire rope, using a "come-along",cover the roots with topsoil and see what happens

 

[billbobtlh]

Go ahead and take it out. It is pretty close to a prettier specimen that does not need the competition.

 

[mrcaptainbob]

Hey, GerardC, try these people:
http://www.forestryforum.com/cgi-bin/board/YaBB.pl#general

 

[Mark4510]

I am sure no expert with this sort of thing. Having said that, it's my experience that if the trees interfere with each other as much as they appear to be doing then both suffer. At least that is the case on my parents property where they have more pines.

I would sure hate to cut something that nice down but it might be the best thing.

Mark

 

[jimgerken]

I had a similar deal on a tree that was maybe 15 feet tall. I can't tell for sure how big yours is. I pushed it back upright and put a big rock behind it. I did not expect it to stay upright after that. It did, that was ten years ago, the tree looks beautiful, and the rock is still there, although hardly visible anymore, kinda sunk into the ground. I say, hook a rope on it and straighten it up, toss some good soil on the roots, water it in. What do you have to loose? Spruces dont have much for root to begin with. BTW, the sooner you deal with the roots' exposure to the light and air, the better chance it will not die. Get them covered ASAP if you are not going to remove it. Actually, here's another idea. Its already over half-way dug up. Pull it over, drag it to a better location, and dig a hole for it, water it in, stake and tie it three ways for a couple years. Instand new tree. In my experience with these, it would be worth the time, most likely it will live.