i have two cordyline australis palm trees about 8 feet tall each

well i fear the tops are dead because of the cold weather though i would leavwe them for now just incase it shoots from the top but dont hold your breath. i would leave it to as its root system may well be helping the new babies at the bottem.dont worry loads of people including myself were caught out bye this . next year i guess its best to rap ya cordalines up and protect them especialy as they are young and small but i would anyway . i would cut the dead big ones down next year myself just incase though it wont hurt cutting the dead leaves off of them.

Hi Chrise
Just to let you know, everyone I know who had a Cordyline lost it due to the cold this winter.
Sad!
Linda

thanks for all your advice it is a great help

your more than welcome .