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Norfolk Pine Brown After Extreme Cold: Cut or Wait?

12-year-old, 7–8 ft Norfolk pine in Houston turned brown except bottom 2 ft after 4 nights in 20s and snow. Owner asks if cutting top 5 ft will help.

Do Not Top

Cutting the top will destroy the tree’s form – it becomes a stunted bush. Wait until mid-May. If top is dead, remove only dead wood. If shape is unacceptable, replace the tree.

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