Question
I planted a Kwanzan Cherry tree about 2 years ago. It is about 2 1/2 inches at the base, and it is leaning to one side. I can pull it up straight to a more attractive angle. Would it be ok to stake it to get it to grow straighter, or is it better to leave it grow naturally. or is it too late

Answer
Dan,

Yes, you can stake it to straighten it, but don't expect fast results.  Pulling it into position and getting it to stay can take a couple years.

Letting it go as is would produce straight growth from the angled trunk (shoots know which way is up), but I've got the feeling the angle would bug you every time you looked over there.

Since it's only been two years, the roots probably aren't too far from the original rootball position.  There'll be some growth, but nothing major yet.  So,  if it was here, I'd probably try digging around the old rootball on the side I was pulling it up toward, pull the tree toward the newly dug side, and then fill in the gap on the formerly low side, and stomping it down pretty good.  There should be enough flexibility this way to straighten the tree without damaging too many roots, or completely uprooting it.

Once I'd gotten it to stand straight on its own this way, I'd stake it for the rest of spring and through the summer...till roots regrow to hold it in place again.  And I'd water it right after doing it, to make sure of good soil/root contact.

For what it's worth,
Mark in Portland