Question
Due to extreme cold this year (I am on gulf coast in Mississippi) I have Sago Palm, Orange, Satsuma and lemon trees that were all hit hard due to several days with temps in the 20's.  How and when do I cut these back?  New growth on bottom 2-3 rows on palm but mostly brown rows and new growth on citrus trees but lots of dropping leaves.
Thanks for the guidance!!

Answer
Hi Janet, wait until a clearer picture of what is alive and what is dead, then excise the dead wood and tissue, but you must wait for more then just a start of growth; the key is to remove dead and dying wood before insect infestation, but after new growth is well in place. The Palms will have the fronds removed totally when they are brown, if there is any green at all showing then leave them be until then; the Citrus can be pruned to shape, including any dead wood, but before blooms appear, otherwise you will remove this seasons fruit. Nick