Rainbow eucalyptus and Bombax ceiba fallen by Ian

[Missi]

Ian snapped my rainbow eucalyptus, which regrew to 50 ft after being snapped in Irma, and my red silk cotton tree (Bombax ceiba), which also snapped in Irma but regrew to 75 ft after.

I don’t have the heart to completely remove these trees. They are my absolute favorite of my broadleaf trees, but I will not let them grow to their monstrous  size again in fear of the next hurricane. When they push new leads, can I prune to one lead and keep them pruned to just 10-20ft in height? They will look strange, I know. These trees are just very sentimental to me. I have some of my pups buried under the euc. It’s their little memorial area (rainbow euc/Rainbow Bridge). The Bombax is just an all around awesome tree.

[ShadyDan]

Sorry to see the carnage. Its devastating to see all the damage. My grandfather has a condo in Fort Myers Beach and the damage there looks almost apocalyptic.

I can't speak for the Bombax, but Eucalyptus (at least around these parts) take very well to coppicing and pruning. Just keep in mind that any coppice growth will generally be weaker than regular growth, but that shouldn't be a problem if you are keeping them small. The hardest part will be keeping it to the size you want without it getting away from you! 

[kinzyjr]

Sucks to see the trees get damaged, but am glad to hear you are OK @Missi

[Barry]

Sorry to see the damage, it is extensive in SWFL. My Klang Klang will have to come down, the most fragrant tree I have ever had. Irma did some damage but not like this!