I recently purchased a new, single-stem amur maple tree. It was grown with a bamboo stake alongside the central leader. What I did not realize is that the stake, while having a straight lower part, gently curves to one side once the side branching begins, which caused the tree's leader to grow curved as well. Once I removed the stake and planted the tree, the tree has a noticeable curve. What is the best way to straighten it? Should I attach a rope support two-thirds of the way up and pull the top of the tree in the opposite direction in an attempt to get it to straighten over time? Should I just replant the tree and split the curve between the top half and lower half, so that the main lower trunk is leaning slightly in one direction and the top half is leaning slightly back in the other direction, therefore giving the tree an overall straighter look? Thanks.
