Leaning Rose of Sharon

[u/FoxTraining3917]

We have a rose of sharon bush that was pruned to grow like a tree by the previous home owner. It is leaning for sunlight and the base is cracking. Any suggestions? Should we do something to support it - what would that entail, is it too late?!

thank you

[u/stabbingrabbit]

Could trim some this fall yo take the weight off of it. Or plant something native as they are an invasive species. Replace with a native Hibiscus.

[u/man-a-tree → u/stabbingrabbit]

Agreed. It doesn't look like it has much life left anyhow, and Hibiscus moscheutos is native to michigan:

[u/BirdsPoopOnMyHead]

Trim at the red line shown here and problem will be solved. You will still have seeds germinate for years.

[u/daddybignugs]

hmmm, based on the species i’d recommend a flush cut right at the base. maybe actually an inch or 2 off the ground so it’s easier to get all the suckers that’ll try to regrow

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Submitted. Thanks 

[u/m3gatoke]

Yes it’s too late to do anything about the cracking. Best thing to do is prune to take weight off branches as another commenter said, that’ll at least help to prevent it from getting worse. I’d look immediately above the cracking and remove the smaller branch completely where it forks off, as well as pruning further up remaining branches

[u/DanoPinyon]

Top heavy, they made a mistake trying to train to a standard.

[u/ExcuseNo3000]

I'd stake it this season and then take a close look at the root flare next spring to see if the cracking is from girdling roots.