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How to save wattle tree growing sideways?

The red circle marks where this tree (Qld Silver Wattle I think) surfaces and then immediately bends 90 degrees. I don't know how it got this way but it has been growing sideways for a while. I doubt it can be forced upright and even the trunk were somehow forced upright the foliage that is currently growing upward 1-2 metres away would all be turned sideways and there isnt room to the fence for that.

Seems to me either end it or saw the trunk close to the ground and let it re-sprout? The trunk is about 8cm diameter.

I suppose it could be cut a short way along the horizontal section and then it might regrow vertically but with a permanent zig zag near the ground, but dont see why that would be any better.

Are there any other ideas?

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Comments

EricL

Hello @daven25

From what the photo shows, the tree’s trunk emerges from the ground normally and then immediately turns sideways before sending up vertical shoots further along that horizontal section. This usually happens when a young stem was knocked over or shaded, forcing it to grow toward the light. By the time a wattle reaches an eight-centimetre trunk diameter, that bend is structurally fixed and cannot be straightened without causing major failure. Even if you tried staking or winching it upright, the mass of the existing upright foliage would be dragged sideways, and the tree would either snap or lean again.

Because of that, you are basically choosing between removal and regeneration. Cutting it near ground level and allowing it to resprout is a completely viable option for Acacia species. Queensland silver wattles generally coppice strongly, meaning they will push up new straight shoots from the base. If you cut it low, around five to ten centimetres above soil level, you will usually get one or more new stems that grow vertically with proper form, letting you select the strongest one and prune away any competing shoots while they are still soft.

Cutting somewhere along the horizontal section would, as you suspected, only give you a permanent kink and very little benefit, because the root flare would still be sending the renewed growth from an awkward point, and the tree would retain the weak structure near the ground. A future split at that bend would be likely once it gains height and weight.

The cleanest long-term outcome is to cut it low and let a new leader develop. If you prefer not to keep the tree at all, complete removal is fine as well, since silver wattles are fast growers and not generally harmed by being taken out and replaced. If you want it to regenerate, make the cut during an active season, make it clean and slightly angled for water run-off, and monitor the new shoots as they appear so you can guide one into becoming a straight future trunk.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

daven25

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/60227#Comment_60227

Thanks Eric,

Job done, cut near ground level. It was in the middle of a big spring growth surge, so "active". When might you expect new shoots to start?

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/92658#Comment_92658

Hello @daven25

Depending on the current condition of the tree roots and its overall general health it can take several weeks before you see shoots appear on the stump. My best advice is to just keep an eye on it as it can catch you by surprise and you will want that new shoot to be guided properly so that it grows upright and not on an angle.

Eric

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