By Kfunsters
Cheshire,
United Kingdom 
My mature Japanese aralia seems to be badly damaged by last winter, with most leaves turned black. Should I prune it back hard and hope? your advice would be much appreciated.
10 Mar, 2011
Hello,
I would cut it back. Fatsia Japonica aka Japanese Aralia is normally quite hardy. Mine have been flattened and twisted by the wind and snow, so it has been a tough winter for some of them.
Cut off the black leaves but avoid pruning the 'stem' part to allow new growth from that.
10 Mar, 2011