Question
QUESTION: have an old tree for at least 15 years and roots because so large and leaves only on edges and it is about 8 ft ( ceilings are 20ft so height not a problem, but it has taken over part of room and is ugly..many branches brown and dead - but we put on deck this month and leaves are growing like crazy from ends and so healthy but inside branches are dead and bare.  We thought we might try to root and start a small one......I fee so bad discarding this ugly tree, but do not know what to do.  I would take pic but we are in hurricane mode at present.  thanx

ANSWER: Hi Terree,
Thanx for your question.  You don't necessarily have to throw the tree out?  Why not just prune it down to a manageable size?  If it is too tall, cut it back to the desirable size using a very sharp knife or saw and a bucket of sanitized water (one part bleach per 10 parts water).  Dip the cutting tool into the solution each time you make a cut.  At first, the pruning may look rather severe but after leaves start filling in, the tree, now looking like a shrub, should look just fine.  As far as the dead parts go, just cut those out and throw them away.  If this isn't acceptable, let me know, and I'll guide you through a rooting process.  I hope this helps.
Tom

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ficus tree   QUESTION: Thanx so much..I have printed out your answer and will get to trying it.  I now attached pics to show you what I have...thick dead branches in empty center and some new healthy leaves hanging around outer parts of tree.  If we cut or saw out the middle dead wood, I think it will look really wierd...it is about 6ft now and I cannot visualize how the center will ever fill in.  Am I missing something?
thanx again for taking the time to answer these questions.

Answer
Hi Terree,
Thanx for the pic and the followup.  I know it's hard to visualize but if you will go ahead and cut out all the dead branches and trim this back to a manageable size, you'll end up pleased.  It will take a while and yes, it will look odd for a while but eventually, it will regain its symetry.  Don't hesitate to ask more questions.  I'm here to help.
thx,
Tom