Asked March 06, 2025, 11:20 AM EST
We planted a Gingko tree from a local Arbor Day Sale about 8 years ago. After the first year, the tree had a significant lean to it, but we were advised that staking the tree in an effort to straighten it wasn't good for the tree. So, we left it alone hoping that it would straighten over time. The tree is very healthy, but It hasn't straightened -- although the branches are responding to the lean by growing closer alongside the trunk on the side that's closer to the ground, and extending longer and farther away from the trunk on the side that's furthest from ground (nearer to the sun).
There are also 3 other trees around this Gingko in our front yard (within 10 feet or so): a Kentucky Coffee Tree, a Red Maple, and a large spruce. If the Gingko keeps growing at this angle, that lean could be a problem. We feel we're at a crossroads, that if it's not going to straighten, we would be better off replacing it this year. And yet we love our trees and if it will straighten enough, we would "lean" towards keeping it.
We would appreciate your expertise very much.
Thank you!

Dakota County Minnesota