Q.Sago Palm
I am renting a place and it has a 6′ sago palm (base is about 18 dia) that is getting deformed from the new growth. Is it safe to cut these huge plants off the top? I understand that “pups” spring up at the bottom but these are at the top of this huge trunk and they are on all sides and make the tree look very misshapen. If I can cut them off, will it return to the basic shape?

Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Sagos usually don't take that well to pruning. That being said, it sounds like this growth may be the flower, which is either male or female. Generally male flowers can be removed but females are best left alone. These articles may offer some help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/sago-palm/prune-sago-palm.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/sago-palm/sago-palms-flower.htm