Frost damage - trim now or later?

Question

I have a large ficus tree. We have had really cold weather for us here, San Diego. The top of my tree shows frost damage and will have to be trimmed back. Should I trim now or wait until it warms up a lot more? Usually around 55 at night, has been down in the 40-30's.

It's not dormant - it grows year round here and doesn't lose leaves normally.

Answer 1

In Florida, after a frost the recommendation is to wait til early spring to do any trimming. This allows for some protection of any additional frost. After trimming most plants send up new and tender growth, This will be damaged by any new frost. It may be good to keep an eye out for insect attack. Or you can spray the tree with insecticide to be sure.

Answer 2

If I remember correctly, the last expected hard freeze in SD is near mid-February. I lived in Rainbow and Temecula. Don't cut back freeze damaged plants prior to the last freeze. It makes the plant want to produce new growth which could be damaged thus freakin' the poor plant out.

Answer 3

Leave the fiscus alone for now. I would see if it recovers on its own; if the tips of the branches have indeed died off, you will know soon enough, you can then decide if you need to trim or just leave alone.

Answer 4

You probably should wait until you see how much damage has been done, ifyou trim it now you'll only cause more stress to the tree.......

Answer 5

i would wait&trim when weather warms up, if you prune it now,it will start to put out new growth&it will take a chance of being bit again.

Answer 6

No...trim it now before it starts to grow...always trim trees when dormant.