Question
bought a cactus 2 years ago a foot tall, it was straight. planted it and now its 5ft tall and still straight except for last 18 in, it has bushed out and looks like a sombreo hat and its so heavy its leaning about 2ft into my driveway. i live in a dessert valley climate in so cal. my question can i chop off top 2ft a the cactus still live. appreciate the help

Answer
Dear Raymond,

My first choice would be to stake it and see if that straightens it out over time.

If you can't do that, yes, you can cut it back and hopefully it will eventually develop branches along the sides. Just remember that those large cacti are heavy, tough and fiberous, so have some help.  Cut it with a sterilized knife or saw (resterilize with each new cut - use rubbing alcohol) and brush the wound with an antifungal.

Do you have a picture?  Is it leaning because it needs sun?

I'd love to see it.

Good luck

Maureen