David: Where did you hear about binding trees to stakes to make them grow straight? I've never heard of this practice.

Some of my bald cypresses are a little crooked but they are young. I figure they will straighten out on their own as they get older.

Nowhere. I assumed(uh-oh)that it is a bonsai technique that will work on saplings until they get too big for convincing. I could be all wet. I came here for criticizm whether positive or negative.

As the experts in this forum often point out, trees survive and thrive without or despite our interventions.

When I see bald cypresses in established gardens, they appear to have straight trunks (although there is a weeping variety). So I don't worry about my young ones - they will probably straighten out in time. But if they don't, that's fine - they will look interesting. Lots of people spend big $$ on trees that curve, twist and weep - and look fantastic.

Take a look at the garden below - it was designed by Dave who hangs out in the Conifer's Forum. Since bald cypress is a conifer, you may get answers there.

Don't worry about criticism here - with a few exceptions, this is a very helpful place. Members are are patient with people who want to learn. We were all newbies once.

Here is a link that might be useful: Dave's Newest Conifer Garden

Bald Cypress normally grow straight on their own. If yours are not, I'd be inclined to cut them down to the straight part and let them regrow the top. It should be fairly straight unless you're in an area with strong prevailing summer winds.
I've 2 trees (oak and elm)that I bought that were too tall for the trunk diameter. Now 2 years later, I still have same problem. Wish I had simply cut them off back them. Not sure how successful retraining a BC will be. Good luck.

I guess I need to clarify. They are almost straight. I'd like them to be arrow straight. I have no doubts that these would be fine if I planted them as is. They would surely grow straight from root to tip with some variation in the trunk. I figured that I could keep them staked until next spring when they start growing after the winter dormancy, then stake them to stay plum until they are well-established.

Trunks are at 3/4". They are very healthy. I am just picky.

I've seen many trees 'splinted' as you describe. I've done it myself and it will work with your smaller trees. You'll have to leave them splinted until they develop the mass to support their own canopies. I think this happens with container grown trees heavily fertilized by commercial growers - just my opinion.
J.D.

If it is still semi-hardwood then i think you have a chance at straightening it out, however, if it is passed that, it will be pretty hard to correct, i have seen few with permanent bends. Good luck with the straightening.