Hello All,

Thank you for checking this out. ;)

I had it posted in the Shrubs Forum, but no bites so I figured I'd give it a shot in Trees.

I have a fair amount of experience with pruning and creating standards, etc. I do my research beforehand and I'm not afraid to make a cut when I feel that I really know what I'm doing.

I have a Lagerstroemia indica 'Pink Velour' (Crepe Myrtle) that I am training into a standard tree form. She's doing great; only a few years old and only about 2 feet tall. My question is this: about 6" up from the ground, the main stem/trunk makes a severe 90 degree jog to the side and then curves up.

Anyone have an opinion on how this will affect the health/success of the shrub/tree in the long-term?

Besides aesthetics, does it really matter?

If it does matter, and I set-up stakes and ties to try and gradually straighten out that jog (light pressure pulling one way below the jog and light pressure pulling the opposite way above the jog), will that work?

I'm expecting the tree to eventually get to about 10-12 feet. Advice or no advice ... wish me luck!

Thanks!

Steve