Pruning a 20-Foot Ficus Benjamina: How Hard Is Too Hard?

Don't Cut to a Bare Trunk

Reducing a branched 20-foot ficus to a 6-foot leafless stump is extremely risky. It might survive, but it's a gamble with a valuable plant.

Recommended Approach

• Prune all branches back by ~⅔.
• This removes most leaves and spindly growth.
• Only remove branches completely if dead, brittle, or diseased.
• Result: compact 10–12 foot tree that fits the space better.

Why This Works

Ficus responds well to moderate hard pruning but needs some foliage to sustain root function during recovery.

Free pruning and ficus care articles at wcreed@HorticulturalHelp.com.