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You can... You have two possible things to do here. You can cut the top off, and root a second plant, or you can cut off the bottom growth, and focus all of the growth to the top of the existing plant. This will be up to you, and either method is perfectly fine.

This article will give you more information on the plant:https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/podocarpus/podocarpus-yew-pine-plants.htm

This will not be affected negatively by pruning at all. This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/podocarpus/podocarpus-yew-pine-plants.htm

There are very many options for this application. This article will help to get you started: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-9-10-11/zone-9-flowering-bushes.htm

Are you experiencing wetter than normal conditions, or watering excessively? This would be the main cause of fungal infections. I would recommend a treatment of dolomitic lime (Not hydrated) and wettable sulfur. This will also help with magnesium deficiency, which is a common issue with these plants.

For more information on the care of these plants, please read this article: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/podocarpus/podocarpus-yew-pine-plants.htm

We do not sell plants, or offer specific places to purchase. I would suggest looking at online nurseries like Ebay, Amazon, or Etsy. Alternatively, you can check local nurseries in your area.

As for the type, that will be completely up to you! You will have to see available cultivars from the nurseries that you find.

I can offer information on the shrub, though. This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/podocarpus/podocarpus-yew-pine-plants.htm

That is odd. Evergreens shouldn't lose their leaves. At least not constantly. I did some research and didn't find anything in the extension publications about leaf litter but one did say dried fruit could cause a litter probem. But I did find a post on a community forum page where the owner had issues with leaf litter getting in her pool filter. Since leaf drop is abnormal, your tree may have experienced some environmental stress that caused the leaves to drop. In any case, I will forward your concern to the editor for more research. Thank you for letting us know about your experience with podocarpus.