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uprooted mesquite tree


Question
is it possible to save a 10 year old misquite tree this is the second day  partially out of the ground due to massive depth and hard dessert soil(rock and dirt) have kept the roots covered with blankets and have kept them moist. with a comealog  i have lifted and propped the tree up to prevent anymore stress on the roots that were not exposed after last nights wind storm its a beautiful tree and i don't need fire wood at all but the shade it has provided over the last few years makes me want to save it is there even a chance

Answer
For some smaller trees (25 feet or less in height), it may be possible to straighten the tree and brace it using guy wires or cables. Some type of power lift or equipment is usually necessary to pull the tree upright. Do not attempt this procedure unless 1/3 to 1/2 of the tree's roots are still in the soil and the remaining exposed roots are relatively compact and undisturbed.
Before the tree is pulled upright, remove some soil from beneath the root mass so the roots will be placed below the existing soil grade level. Once the tree is back in an upright position, fill in soil as needed. Water the tree to help firm the soil and remove air pockets. Attach 2 or 3 guy lines to the trunk as is often done for newly transplanted trees, at a point approximately two-thirds of the height of the tree and to anchors placed some 12 to 15 feet from the base of the tree to hold the tree in place. Turn buckles can be used to tighten these wires.

Since you have already pulled the tree back upright you will need to cable brace the tree in place. Once you straighten a tree, it's a good idea to stake it. Drive a couple of wood stakes on the side of the tree. Then run wire or rope from the stakes and wrap it loosely around the trunk about two-thirds of the way up. To protect the bark against chafe, cover the wire or rope with scrap pieces of garden hose. I would leave them in place until next spring that way the root sytem should have grown rnough to reestablish it foothold.  

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