Question
QUESTION: We have some 20 foot white birds. They are getting ragged from wind.

We would like to trim the main shoots to lower the trees and start again. How low can you cut the main shoot without damaging it?

ANSWER: Hi John, don't worry you won't hurt it, it grows from an underground Rhizome (root system) that sends up numerous pups along side the parent plant; just cut the taller stalks at the base just above soil level and the remaining stalks will continue to grow. Nick

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QUESTION: I am most interested in the parent plant. Some are 12 inches in circumference with a large y shape forming at the top. can the parent be cut at the y section and grow new shoots from there?

Thank You

Answer
If you cut the entire stalk (parent) it will not grow back, the pups are the ensuing growth; what you can do, to bring its height down somewhat is to cut the highest individual leaves(and petioles or stems). Trace the tallest leaf back to the main stem and cut it there, then the next etc. etc. until you get the height you desire; you won't hurt the main plant so don't be concerned about that, because (as I said...) all growth develops from the underground rhizome. Try to keep it symmetrical however, so it doesn't look unbalanced. Nick