How to prune sago palm

Any time of year when fronds are clearly dead or damaged. Cut dead or fully brown fronds at the base where they meet the trunk, using clean sharp secateurs or a pruning saw. Leave any frond with residual green colour — it is still photosynthesising. Avoid cutting the central crown bud, which is the plant's only growing point.

As needed — only when fronds are fully dead or damaged. Sago palm needs very little pruning. Remove only yellow, brown, or dead fronds by cutting them cleanly at the base. Never cut green fronds — this stresses the plant and can cause permanent damage. Do not remove fronds that are still partly green. Pruning more than necessary weakens this slow-growing cycad.

Cut dead or fully brown fronds at the base where they meet the trunk, using clean sharp secateurs or a pruning saw. Leave any frond with residual green colour — it is still photosynthesising. Avoid cutting the central crown bud, which is the plant's only growing point.