Topping my Norfolk Pine?

Question

We have a gigantic (40+ft) tall Norfolk Pine tree in our front yard and we love the look of it, but it's starting to cause some concern.

The tree is so large, it's getting top heavy and starting to lean at the top. We're afraid if the growth continues it could snap off and fall causing damage to house/car/people below.

We don't want to cut it down if we can help it, so my question is:

Can we take about 1/3 off the top of the tree without killing it?

Answer 1

Yes you can but a  new leader (top of tree) won't form.

But always remember to becareful when you go up on top of a tree.

By the sounds of your question you better hurry.

Probably cut of a bout a little less than 1/3

Answer 2

Yes, but you'll have a really strange tree forever after.  A new leader won't form.

Answer 3

Over the years we have topped many of pine trees.Many have come back with two tops.You will get two times the trouble in ten years.You would be better off replacing the tree.