Cutting and Replanting a Tall Tree Fern (Dicksonia)

Risky but Possible: Trunk Cutting on a 7‑Foot Tree Fern

Matthew wants to cut a 7‑foot in‑ground tree fern halfway and replant the top to reduce height.

Expert Caution

Tree ferns have roots along the entire trunk. Cutting and replanting the crown without its root system is risky—it may regenerate from the cut base over time, but the large size makes decline likely. Better to transplant the whole fern with as much root ball as possible to a shadier, moister spot.