How to Cut Back Australian Tree Ferns

Trimming

• 1

  Remove browning fronds from the tree fern in the spring when the plant begins actively growing again. Cut the fronds off where they connect with the trunk of the fern.

• 2

  Place the fronds into the basket or bin as you cut them from the tree fern. Continue trimming back the fronds until you clean up the entire plant and it has a neat appearance once again.

• 3

  Discard the removed fronds in the trash or in a compost bin.

Cutting Back

• 4

  Trim every frond from the tree fern and discard them. Removing the fronds enables the plant to concentrate on growing new roots from the trunk.

• 5

  Cut off the entire top of the Australian tree fern with the saw pruner. Sever the trunk just above the soil level.

• 6

  Lift the top of the tree fern and transfer it to a new growing location with protection from excessive heat. Keep the soil moist with daily watering to encourage new root formation. The new Australian tree fern will develop into a new plant during the remainder of the growing season.