Reviving a Freeze-Damaged Outdoor Ficus

Can a Frozen Ficus Be Saved?

A 10-year-old, 6-foot braided ficus in south Louisiana suffered freeze damage after temperatures dropped below 30°F. Despite covering, most of the tree died back, but a 3-foot sprout emerged from the base. The owner asks how far to prune and whether to repot now or wait.

Expert Advice

Nick confirms the ficus froze back to ground level, but the roots are still viable. He recommends:

• Prune all dead wood back to the root ball, leaving only the new sprout.
• Wait a couple of months for the new crown to establish before repotting.
• Don't worry about damaging the plant—ficus are tough and respond well to hard pruning.

Next Steps

After the new growth forms a healthy canopy, repot into a larger container with fresh, well-draining soil. Ensure the pot has drainage holes and avoid letting the root ball sit in standing water.