Using a very clean sterile sharp knife like an exacto knife cut the string at 1 in. intervals. Make the cuts perpendicular to the string. Over time you won't notice anything and the plant will be just fine. Care for the plant as if nothing had happened and remember to review staking directions before the next time.

Thanks so much. Just to clarify, these are big trees that were planted from 24/36" boxes a year ago. I'll be climbing up a ladder into the trees with the knife in the dark (dark cuz I'm burning up even the the morning shade.

The original landscaper was terrible. The wires thru the hose pieces disentegrated and snapped. Landscaper wouldn't show up. I kept repairing. Trees were nearly blowing over in storms. I had the trees trimmed way back but they still were in that stage of insufficient roots for the size. So we tied them to the wall. It was a comedy of errors.

With your kind advice, hopefully this upcoming nocturnal ladder episode will be the end of my trees-growing-too-fast and crooked!!

You got great advice. Be careful on your Ladder Duty and let us know how the "surgery" and recovery go for your tree.

Take care,
Grant