Ferns

• 1). Grasp the yellowing or damaged fern frond and pull it down to reveal where it joins the stipe or stalk.
  
  
• 2). Clip the frond where it joins the stipe or stalk with a pair of scissors.
  
  
• 3). Cut back fronds that have only yellowed ends. Trim away all traces of yellow with the scissors and cut the remaining end into a natural shape.
  
  
• 4). Clean your scissors with isopropyl alcohol after use to kill any plant diseases or bacteria.
  
  

Palms

• 1). Prune only those fronds that are completely dead. Bob Morris, an associate professor with the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, recommends leaving fronds that are only partially brown.
  
  
• 2). Cut dead fronds back to the trunk with a pair of bypass loppers.
  
  
• 3). Sterilize the loppers with isopropyl alcohol after use.