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Acer Palmatum disectum - Firecracker leaning

joshuakmackintoshjoshuakmackintosh Posts: 2
in Problem solving
My acer is around 1.2m tall and is growing ok. I am growing in the waterfall style but it is leaning to one side. Does anyone know how I can encourage it to grow more evenly around all sides, especially when it has large branches already leaning over to one side?

Posts

  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    Your tree will grow in the direction from which it gets the most light.
    It's light that gives plants energy to grow, so they will always grow toward the light.

    You can alter it by pruning somewhat (only prune in the dead of winter), but it will still seek out the best light.

    If you can post a pic or two we may be able to offer some suggestions.

    I have a mature palmatum dissectum in the front garden.
    The side of the tree that faces south looks great.
    The side that faces north is quite sparse

    So here's the south facing side-


    and here's the north facing side-


    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • joshuakmackintoshjoshuakmackintosh Posts: 2
    Hi Pete, Thanks for your help. I have attached some pictures of the acer. The garden is south facing and gets a pretty even amount of sunlight throughout the day but the plant is growing out in an eastward direction 

  • punkdocpunkdoc Posts: 15,039
    I would: remove the cane, put in a much shorter, sturdier stake, to about 1/3 the way up the trunk and very gently pull the trunk towards the stake.

    How can you lie there and think of England
    When you don't even know who's in the team

    S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    Hi Joshua
    Turn the pot so that the side with less growth is facing whichever direction it will get the most light - which by the sound of it is East.
    It'll take a few years, but by turning the pot the tree will gradually branch out on the other side.
    Once the growth is balanced turn the pot every 6 months to keep it that way.
    Avoid any pruning if possible as they can bleed a lot of sap unless the tree is completely dormant.

    Keep an eye on the acers with the pale leaves, too much sun can cause the leaves to go a bit crispy around the edges

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I'd turn it too, and certainly get the side which is lighter in growth facing a better aspect. If you get it into a slightly more shaded spot, with that side facing the most light, that will help.  The advice re a better stake is also well worth doing.  :)
    These ones tend to have that kind of habit, and if turned regularly, they generally even out and become more balanced over time. 
    You can prune at a much later date to get it more balanced if needed, but it has to be done carefully, and at the right time of year, as already said  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • hogweedhogweed Posts: 4,053
    As well as a sturdier stake, I would also repot into a bigger pot. At the same time you can tilt it so it is a bit straighter. Then follow all the goodly advice about light direction etc. If you plan on turning it regularly, may be a good idea to put the pot on a pot trolley with wheels so it is easier to turn.
    'Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement' - Helen Keller
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