Question
We've experienced a late frost which killed new growth on Holleys, Myrtles, fruit trees and all other budding and flowering plants.  How can I remove the blackened dead frost damage and not hurt the plant.  I realize pruning might be the answer, but how far should I go without making the plant look half dead?

Condolences to all who lost in the freeze!

Best regards,

Owen Gidlow
Carolina Shores, NC

Answer
I would not remove the dead leaves yet. Let the trees re leaf and they should shred the dead leaves on their own. No need to prune until the new growth comes out then if there is dead branches you can prune these later. Pruning now may cut a live branch that will leaf out.