Q.norfolk trees
The Norfolk tree is leaning over and I’m scared it will fall onto neighbour’s roof. It is like 13m or more tall! Can I cut the top to at least 5/7m? Will it shoot out new branches? Have you heard of inner cores of the norfolk trees that rot? We took another one out that was 20m tall. It SEEMED rotten inside…or would you say it is very brittle on the inside, so that it only appears to be rotten?
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
A leaning Norfolk pine is often caused by a too-small root system, which destabilizes the tree. This can happen if it's growing in a pot or in an enclosed, small yard space. Unfortunately, leaning Norfolk pines can create a safety hazard, since they've been known to fall on houses.
Norfolk pines only grow from the top, so if you remove the top, it won't continue growing well, and this might make it appear even more lopsided. However, doing this might prevent the safety issue. The other option is removing the tree.
