Question
Dear Will,
I have a Norfolk Pine that has been with my family for about 5 years now.  We recieved it at a family members funeral and it means a lot, but now it is getting way too big for my house (it's about 5 feet tall and 4 feet around). It has a new underplant growing now that is about 2 years old and the roots are really joined. I thought about splitting them, or just cutting the large one down, and leaving the smaler one.  Would either of these options work, or would I just be eventually killing the small one as well?  I live in Indiana, and so I think the cold winters would prevent me from being able to plant it outside. Thank you, any sugestion is appreciated.  Missy  

Answer
Hi Missy,

Congratulations on your well-cared for Norfolk pine.

You could divide the two plants or you could cut down the taller one. Division is a tricky surgical procedure and can jeopradize both plants, so that would not be my first choice.

Another option would be to prune back the larger tree to keep it at the size that you want. The ends of the stems can be pruned off to control the width. Cutting of the top growing tip will keep it from growing taller. Meanwhile the smaller tree will continue to grow and will probably replace the older one once it starts to decline or just look raggedy.

You are right; it will not survive sub-freezing temps.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

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