Why You Should Never Top a Freeze-Damaged Robellini Palm

Topping Removes the Only Growing Point

A 12-year-old, triple-trunk Robellini with all fronds brown: cutting below the lowest fronds kills the palm. The crown (heart) is where all new growth emerges.

Correct Approach

• Remove only 100% brown fronds.
• Leave any with green tissue.
• If one trunk is dead, cut it at soil level; others survive independently.
• New growth comes from the crown center—never remove it.

Multi-Trunk Advantage

In a clump, dead trunks can be removed without harming the rest. But a single-trunk palm topped is a dead palm.