---
title: "I need help. I pulled this out of a dumpster years ago and it had…"
description: "I need help. I pulled this out of a dumpster years ago and it had already been badly pruned and abused. It’s been going strong for me for years but in the last…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ/IdEytLU4Q4G6dS3VXthfmA"
community: "Pests, diseases and problems"
author: "Jodi"
published: "2024-08-26T04:08:22.785467Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/GVpRIuJcGx0CYFQpBz3_TffehYcuMkIsMaoAjQLrDOk/VhaUwCFeT1CRgI7-yMoAnA.webp?size=large"
---

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# I need help. I pulled this out of a dumpster years ago and it had…

_Posted by Jodi on 2024-08-26_

I need help. I pulled this out of a dumpster years ago and it had already been badly pruned and abused. It’s been going strong for me for years but in the last few has gotten leggy, the leaves on these two leggy branches are one by one falling off, and now the middle part is kinda knotted. I’ve pruned some branches back that were earlier to see where a node is and had success. I want to prune these two leggy branches WAY back but I’m scared and I don’t know how far back I can prune it. Any one been through this? Any advice is welcomed! I can add more pics if it’s too hard to tell from these.

![Attachment 1 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/GVpRIuJcGx0CYFQpBz3_TffehYcuMkIsMaoAjQLrDOk/VhaUwCFeT1CRgI7-yMoAnA.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 2 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/GVpRIuJcGx0CYFQpBz3_TffehYcuMkIsMaoAjQLrDOk/ZFdcG4ZxT0q4fYnnRTTmSQ.webp?size=large)

## 10 comments

### Sharon commented on 2024-08-26

It’s a money tree? If so, I have pruned all the way down until I reached the large thick trunk. And it has grow back quite well

#### Sharon replied on 2024-08-26

It started budding new branches from random places on the lower parts of the thick trunk of you cut it all the way back

#### Jodi replied on 2024-08-26

It is a money tree… so you’ve cut down into a more woody part of the branch?

#### Jodi replied on 2024-08-26

I’m not sure if I totally understand what you’re saying Sharon…

### Sharon commented on 2024-08-27

You can cut all the way down until you reach the woody part, or even slightly into the woody part is fine. Just keep the cut area dry for a few days to callous

#### Jodi replied on 2024-08-27

I’m going to do it while we still have good light. Have you ever successfully propagated the cut branch?

### Sharon commented on 2024-08-27

It’s possible to propagate cut branches, I’ve only done it a few times in the past but the success rate ended up being around 50% for me. I trimmed off the bottom of the cut branches until I had a piece around 4.5 - 5 inches long I would say, let them dry for two days, and stuck them on the pot with the mother plant and hoped. I know it is possible but I would do a bit of research as I don’t propagate them often —never personally had success with water propagation though

#### Jodi replied on 2024-08-27

Thank you so much! I’ll report back after I prune and hopefully there is new growth to share 😅😁🌿

#### Sharon replied on 2024-08-27

Good luck!!

#### Holly replied on 2024-08-27

Yes - all my water props rotted despite letting them callous first!

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