We have three very large mature Norfolk Island Pine trees outside our house and one of them has developed large holes in the bark about 30cm up from the base, they go in through the bark to a depth of 10 - 20cm and the wood inside is exposed and easy to see, a lot of the bark is peeling with more holes developing higher up. None of the the other trees have the same problem and I am concerned it is unstable. We live on the Central Coast one hour drive from Sydney Australia. Regards, Liz Mills
In this case it appears the structure of your trees may be compromised.
I do believe your tree is infected with some disease.
This link I found may be of some help.
https://www.dailyexaminer.com.au/news/iconic-trees-under-attack/1071737/
I would suggest you have this tree inspected by a certified Arborist.
My Norfolk Palm plant is hardy and doing too well. It has, in size, outgrown my house. It stands 5'5". I enjoy it a lot and wonder if I top it down to my desired height and let the shorter little shoots come on if it would continue on looking great? Any suggestion is appreciated. Thanks.
I believe you are referencing a Norfolk Island Pine.
These plants can grow very large and tall, and often outgrow a home environment. Topping the plant can be harmful to the plant.
I often suggest people donate the plants to schools or nursing homes where they may have higher ceiling heights.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/norfolk-pine/norfolk-island-pine-care.htm
branches will not stay straight, but bend toward the ground. I have changed the soil to good soil, believe I am watering correctly, and have the plant by a southern window. It just started doing this about 6-8 months ago. Help
This is very common for an older Norfolk Island Pine.
They can grow to very large size and often outgrow a home space.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/norfolk-pine/norfolk-island-pine-care.htm
My tree is turning yellow. I water and mist it every week what can I do?
You didn't mention the available light and that is the most important factor. It should be close to and in front of a moderately sunny window. Without adequate light, nothing else you do will matter much.
Misting does nothing as it increases the humidity for all of about 15 minutes after you do it. Besides, NIP's have shown that they can do well in very dry air as long as they are watered properly.
Water yours thoroughly - until some water trickles through the drain holes - when the top inch of soil feels dry.
I did not realize they were only houseplants & left mine outside when the temp was freezing. A). Will it survive? The top is brown/probably dead. However, the lower & inside branches still look green. B). If it survives, how do I prune it to its best health? It is now inside in a south window. Thanks.
This will have to be pruned out AFTER it recovers. It will likely recover, but the shape of the tree will change. Just care for it indoors, and once you see new growth, you can prune away the old.
Here is an article for more information on the care of these: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/norfolk-pine/norfolk-island-pine-care.htm
How to tell when a Norfolk pines needs repotting?
The best way to tell is to lift the entire plant out of its pot. When the roots start to circle the bottom of the pot, then it is time to replant.
Here is an article that will guide you on the care of these: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/norfolk-pine/norfolk-island-pine-care.htm
My outside 18' Norfolk pines were beautiful until hurricane Irma tilted each of them 20-30 percent. I had them repositioned somewhat wondering if they would die. They did not die and I would like to try to straighten them more away from house. They are too pretty to lose but another storm might land them on my bedroom. What to do?
There are a few things that you can do, but propping and tying them to wood beams will help straighten them back out. This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/straighten-tree.htm