First of all, a banana plant is actually an herb, not a tree. As for fruit, bananas seldom produce fruit this far north, although a cold hardy variety may produce if conditions are perfect.

So, there is no need to cut your banana trees down to the ground. All you need to do is to trim off the damaged, unattractive foliage. Healthy new leaves will grow out of the top of the trunk.

At 9 a.m., Sachter-Smith will give a one-hour lecture and slideshow on banana culinary lore, botanical history and best growing practices. Be at Waimea Valley by 8:45 a.m. with tickets in hand.