norfork island pine tree

Question

My Norfolk Island pine has grown to 10′ tall. It has been on my back deck over summer. I need to bring it indoors now, but it is too tall. Can I remove some of the top growth without damaging the tree?

Answer 1

Unfortunately, a Norfolk pine will not grow back in the same shape if its top is removed, and this will damage the tree's health and appearance. Instead, you could try to limit the tree's growth in the future by restricting its pot size and posibly root pruning it.

If it is absolutely necessary to cut the top off, you could try taking a cutting from the very top of the tree and planting that to generate a new tree.