Q: My company’s building has a large atrium. We need to replace the podocarpus trees there with something else. What?

A: Ficus trees are excellent for atriums because the different varieties vary greatly in mature size. Black olive, Bucida buceras, is also good. Both are easily pruned to keep them in bounds. Palms are commonly used but they can not be pruned for size. Removing the growing tip kills the plant.