Leyland Cypress Bent by Hurricane: Stake or Wait?

Two 10–12 ft Leyland cypresses bent 45–60° by Hurricane Katrina winds (Tuscaloosa, AL). No breakage. Nursery said wait 2 weeks to see if they straighten.

The expert agreed: wait 2 weeks. Then stake with rope/hose protection, or gently straighten by digging around base. Remove stakes after a year. They'll grow straight naturally; the bend becomes a Katrina reminder.

Post-Storm Care

• Wait 2 weeks for natural recovery.
• Stake with padded rope if needed.
• Can dig to physically straighten.
• Remove stakes after 1 year.