Question
we have a 20feet cupressus which is leaning 20-30deg to the left  have tried tieing a rope around another tree and pulling but no movement at all. apart from digging it out do you have any suggestions would much appreciate some feed back
many thanks

Wendy English

Answer
This a hard work but can be done.
Drive two stakes into the ground on the side of the tree that is opposite the direction in which the tree is leaning. Place the stakes approximately 3-4 feet apart.

Place two lengths of wire around the tree that are long enough to wrap around the tree up the trunk about 2/3 the height and reach the stakes. Put a pad against the tree where each wire touches it to keep the wire from direct contact with the bark. An old garden hose will work fine.  Pull the wires so they are taut, and wrap the ends of each wire around one of the stake to provide support to the tree.

Remove the soil at the base of the tree until you see the roots on the side away from the lean. Dig outward from the base, removing soil so the roots are visible. Digging a hole approximately 10 times the trunk  diameter of the tree should provide the necessary freedom to move the tree.

Push the tree upright. If the tree is large, pushing it upright may require several people. Have someone stand on the opposite side of the tree to pull in the slack created in the wires attached to the stakes when the tree is pushed upright. That person will wind the slack around the stakes to hold the tree in place.

Cover the roots with soil again, and pack the soil firmly to help hold the tree in place. Use the back of a spade to firm the soil, and press down on the soil with your feet to further compact it.

Keep the stakes and wires in place for a year and then remove them this will give time for the roots to stabilize the tree.