Pruning Freeze-Damaged Sago Palms and Citrus Trees: Timing and Technique

Wait for the Clear Picture

After a Gulf Coast freeze (20s), sagos and citrus (orange, satsuma, lemon) show mixed damage. Do not prune until new growth is well established—usually a month or more.

Sago Palms

• Remove fronds only when fully brown.
• Green at base? Leave it.
• New growth from center = alive.

Citrus

• Prune dead wood after new growth hardens.
• Before bloom = lose fruit.
• Shape as desired once safe.

Key Principle

Dead wood attracts borers. Remove it—but only after the plant shows where the living boundary is.