How to Trim a Sago Palm

Reviewed by Ben Barkan

Last Updated: September 16, 2019

Sago palms are pretty plants that will add a tropical vibe to any landscape, or even inside your home. In order to keep them healthy and looking nice, you need to trim off dead and damaged fronds in the fall and early spring. It's also a good idea to remove excess pups, or baby sago palms, that grow on or around the tree. Always protect your skin with gardening gloves and long sleeves before you trim or remove pups from your sago palms.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Pruning the Fronds

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bd\/Trim-a-Sago-Palm-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Trim-a-Sago-Palm-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bd\/Trim-a-Sago-Palm-Step-1.jpg\/aid10947869-v4-728px-Trim-a-Sago-Palm-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

1
Trim sago palms annually in autumn. This is the end of the growing season for sago palms so it is the best time to prune them since they won't be producing new growth. You will be less likely to accidentally weaken the sago palm by cutting healthy new fronds. ^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Cutting off healthy fronds can weaken the sago palm and make it more exposed to diseases and pests.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e1\/Trim-a-Sago-Palm-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Trim-a-Sago-Palm-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e1\/Trim-a-Sago-Palm-Step-2.jpg\/aid10947869-v4-728px-Trim-a-Sago-Palm-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

2
Trim frost-damaged sago palms at the beginning of spring. Sago palms can survive cold winters, but often experience frost damage as a result. Wait until spring, when there will be no more frosts, to prune away frost-damaged foliage. ^{[2]
X
Research source}
- This will help to prepare the sago palms for healthy new growth in spring.
Advertisement
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bf\/Trim-a-Sago-Palm-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Trim-a-Sago-Palm-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bf\/Trim-a-Sago-Palm-Step-3.jpg\/aid10947869-v4-728px-Trim-a-Sago-Palm-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

3
Put on gloves and long sleeves to protect your skin during trimming. Put on a pair of gardening gloves before you start pruning to protect your hands from the spiky spines. Use a long-sleeved shirt to protect the skin on your arms. ^{[3]
X
Research source}
- The sago palm is toxic to humans and animals when ingested. Keep pets and small children away from the trees.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1f\/Trim-a-Sago-Palm-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Trim-a-Sago-Palm-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1f\/Trim-a-Sago-Palm-Step-4.jpg\/aid10947869-v4-728px-Trim-a-Sago-Palm-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

4
Cut off all yellow and brown fronds right against the trunk of the sago. Use gardening shears or clippers to cut off all the old and dying leaves, especially towards the base of the tree where they are oldest. Cut them off as close to and as flat against the trunk as you can. ^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Only cut off dead or damaged fronds unless you absolutely need to cut off green fronds for ornamental purposes.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/45\/Trim-a-Sago-Palm-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Trim-a-Sago-Palm-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/45\/Trim-a-Sago-Palm-Step-5.jpg\/aid10947869-v4-728px-Trim-a-Sago-Palm-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

5
Remove all fronds from the trunk of the plant only for ornamental purposes. Cut off all the fronds flat against the trunk if you want to expose the trunk and give it a “pineapple” look for decorative purposes. Don't ever cut off any healthy fronds between the 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock positions. ^{[5]
X
Research source}
- Keep in mind that removing healthy fronds from the trunk can weaken your sago. This is only recommended for landscaping purposes when you absolutely want your sago to look a certain way.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/12\/Trim-a-Sago-Palm-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Trim-a-Sago-Palm-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/12\/Trim-a-Sago-Palm-Step-6.jpg\/aid10947869-v4-728px-Trim-a-Sago-Palm-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

6
Remove all the leaf litter and debris from around the tree when you are done. Clear the area around the base of the sago palm to provide more air flow. Safely dispose of the debris in a yard waste bin or at a dump. ^{[6]
X
Research source}
- Always use gardening gloves and long sleeves when you are disposing of the debris. The male plant can be allergenic.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Removing the Pups and Cones

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6a\/Trim-a-Sago-Palm-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Trim-a-Sago-Palm-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6a\/Trim-a-Sago-Palm-Step-7.jpg\/aid10947869-v4-728px-Trim-a-Sago-Palm-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

1
Dig up sago palm pups or pop them off the trunk with a hand trowel. The pups are offsets growing around the base or along the sides of the sago palm. Dig around them and lift them out of the ground with a hand trowel, or use the edge of a trowel to pry them off the trunk of the tree to remove them. ^{[7]
X
Research source}
- You can also use a knife to dig them up or pop them off the trunk if you don't have a hand trowel.
- You should remove pups in early spring or late fall, before and after the growing season. This can be done at the same time you do annual trimming or are pruning frost damage. Early spring is best if you plan on replanting them.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/66\/Trim-a-Sago-Palm-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Trim-a-Sago-Palm-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/66\/Trim-a-Sago-Palm-Step-8.jpg\/aid10947869-v4-728px-Trim-a-Sago-Palm-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

2
Remove foliage and dry out the pups if you want to transplant them. Use garden clippers to cut off all the foliage of the pups. Lay them outside to dry for a week before you replant them. ^{[8]
X
Research source}
- New sago palms should be planted in sandy well-drained soil during early spring.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/ab\/Trim-a-Sago-Palm-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Trim-a-Sago-Palm-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/ab\/Trim-a-Sago-Palm-Step-9.jpg\/aid10947869-v4-728px-Trim-a-Sago-Palm-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

3
Remove cones from the sago palms whenever they form. Sago palms will divert energy to growing cones instead of foliage, so you need to remove the cones whenever you see them to help your sago palm keep growing fronds instead of cones. Slice the cone away as close to the trunk as you can with a knife. ^{[9]
X
Research source}
- Not all sago palms will produce a cone, but both male and female sago palms can produce them. The female cones last much longer than the male cones, and will sap away growing energy from your sago palms for months.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

How can I make a sago palm grow taller?

Greenhouse Anderson

Community Answer

A sago palm is not a real palm. It just looks like one. Your plant is a cycad. It does not get tall like a palm. The leaves will always be generally horizontal. It will be 15 feet tall when it is 50 years old.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
Question

The tips of my sago palm turned yellow a couple of months ago. I think I overwatered it. I have since moved it to a pot with good drainage. Can I cut off just the tips that are yellow?

Greenhouse Anderson

Community Answer

Yes, you can cut off the yellow leaf tips if you wish. Be sure that the plant is in a sunny location. Direct sunlight should fall on the leaves three or four hours every day.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Last winter my Sago shot out four new fronds which are much longer and higher than the older fronds. They are also curled at the ends and have never flattened out. What can I do?

Greenhouse Anderson

Community Answer

The appearance of the new leaves is telling you that the plant is not getting enough light in the current location. A Sago should get direct sunlight for three or four hours every day for normal growth in the home. The leaves will not change when you move it to a better light situation, but next year's leaves will be more normal.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

Sago palms are toxic to humans and animals. Never ingest any part of the plant. Make sure to keep pets and small children away from them. Expose properly of all debris after trimming.

Thanks
Helpful 5 Not Helpful 2

Things You'll Need

Gardening gloves
Long-sleeved shirt
Gardening clippers or shears
Knife
Hand trowel

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]

[9]

Log in

How to Trim a Sago Palm

Steps

Pruning the Fronds

Removing the Pups and Cones

Community Q&A

Tips

Warnings

Things You'll Need

You Might Also Like

References

About This Article

Did this article help you?

Quizzes

You Might Also Like

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Featured Articles

Featured Articles

Watch Articles

Trending Articles

Explore Categories