PlantPalHow to remove a dead stem
Confirm it is dead and trace it to a live branch or the base before cutting.
Before you start
Look for a dry, brittle section. A woody stem can have brown bark while still alive. A tiny scratch on a doubtful twig can reveal moist green tissue underneath, which means that part is alive.
How to do it
Follow the dead stem to its base or to a healthy side branch. Remove only the confirmed dead part with clean shears, leaving live stems and buds intact. Clear away the debris.
When to stop and recheck
Stop if the damage looks soft, wet or is spreading, or if you cannot tell where living tissue begins. Check for disease before cutting more, and clean the blades before using them on another plant.