How to prune hawaiian tree fern

Any time of year; remove fronds as they die and turn brown. Cut or snap dead fronds where they meet the trunk, leaving a short stump that will naturally shed. Wear gloves — the trunk fibers can irritate skin. Do not cut the trunk or growing crown.

As needed, a few times per year as lower fronds die back. Hawaiian Tree Fern benefits from periodic removal of old dead fronds. As the plant grows, lower fronds naturally die and hang down the trunk. Remove these to keep the trunk clean and reduce pest habitat. Never cut into the fibrous trunk itself — it has no ability to regenerate tissue from wounds and cutting it is fatal.

Cut or snap dead fronds where they meet the trunk, leaving a short stump that will naturally shed. Wear gloves — the trunk fibers can irritate skin. Do not cut the trunk or growing crown.