Question
We live in Arizona and we had some mornings with frost and it seems like our fica trees took the hard hit. The leaves are totally brown the branches snap off very easy. The trees never lost there leaves. but now there is little bit if growth on the main trunk of the tree. Are they dead or will they come back?

Answer
Hi Tim,

Ficus trees can survive a mild frost. Typically, it will damage leaves and smaller stems, but the roots are insulated by the soil so they are usually undamaged in a light frost.

The damaged leaves and brittle stems will not recover, so they can be pruned off. As long as temps stay warm, new growth should emerge within a month at the ends of all healthy stems.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions. If you would like to e-mail me some photos, I may be able to provide some additional insights.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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