Norfolk Pine – Pruning

Q: My friend has had a Norfolk pine for 32 years that has grown just short of the ceiling. Should she raise the roof or can it be pruned in some way?

A: She can remove the top now but the tree will try to put out a new bud and establish a fresh leader where the first was removed. Topping won’t encourage more limbs lower on the plant. She can maintain the shape the tree has now by regular removal of the tip bud when it begins to grow.