leaning tree problem

[seneca]

There's a 6ft tree at the back of the garden (cordyline, i think) that has taken a bit of a battering from the recent winds and is now leaning over by about 15 degrees from upright. How can I fix it? Do I need to drive some kind of stake into the ground behind it and tie the tree to it? I notice it's a bit loose and wobbly at the base, so should I add some extra soil around the base. any suggestions would be welcomed

 

[Thermo]

how long has it been there and is there any noticeable movement to the soil at the base?

 

[seneca]

Not sure how long it's been there. We moved in last year, but the plant seems well established.
Yes there is some movement in the soil. I can move it back to the original upright position, but then it slowly sinks back to it's new leaning position.

Wouldn't like to try and dig it out, probably weighs a ton!
How about driving a stake into the ground, at a similar angle, but in the opposite direction. Then strapping the tree to it. I could then force more soil, and gravel around the base to reinforce it.

Wouldn't like to move it, as it partly disguises a grotty looking shed at the back of the garden.

 

[Thermo]

sounds like the soil around it has been loosened. Get someone else to move it back to the upright position. Dig out sme of the loose soil and infill it back again, firming it well with your heel. If its still loose then you can stake it for a while, until the ground firms up. If its a cordyline then they have a fairly small rootball that can come loose. Dont leave the stake in for too long.

 

[seneca]

ok.

why must the stake not be left for too long? Wouldn't it stop the strong gusts of wind moving it again.

 

[Thermo]

tree will rely on it and wont get stronger.