Knock it back by at least 2/3. These pro tips for planting and caring for fig trees will help you enjoy a healthy crop year after year. Prune your fig tree during winter when it is young. Fig trees are hardy and can thrive without pruning. A relative of the mulberry tree, the fig tree is a member of the Moraceae family. This way the tree will develop its roots and get good contact with the ground. Most of that I share here on PlainHelp.com. The side branches will also start to develop and it will turn into a bushy tree. This kind of “bleeding” increases the likelihood of an infection. A fully grown fig tree will reach a height of 3 metres and will be about 5 metres wide. Particular attention should be paid to pruning. Outdoor-grown figs are ready at the end of the summer. In the following years, pruning fig trees is not required. Trim the tree to about half its size. First up, a word of warning. “Old fig trees can be given a more thorough prune by removing half the length of each branch, which will encourage fresh new growth.” Picking. Prune away branch tops that reach above 8 to 10 feet. The best time to engage in this process is when a fig tree is dormant. On the other hand, a tree that is small and has weak branches needs time to acclimate, and it may be best to wait until the … This is will prevent it from spreading out its energy. As opposed to buying the new plant in the nursery, you can successfully transplant the old one from your or friend’s garden. Fig trees don’t require a lot of pruning, but you can remove dead, dying, or crowded branches during the winter to promote growth and help the tree maintain its shape. If your fig is too big, pruning is the answer. If it grows vigorously right after planting, pruning should be done immediately. A light pruning can be done in mid-June to take out juvenile vertical sprouts. These can be consumed in the form of compotes, jams, dried, or fresh off the tree. Most fig trees grow up to 20 feet wide and up to 20 feet tall. However, you can prune young fig trees during the first couple of years in a manner that will produce new "fruiting wood," resulting in heavier yields of fruit the following season. Although a fig tree can survive without pruning, doing this will maximize the overall yield and the size of its fruits. But a net is difficult to manage if … Pruning fig trees trains them to stop spreading their energy on the canopy or the root system. Of course some of them can grow to reach tremendous heights of 50 feet. This will cause new growth during the summer. When the leaves fall off in autumn, remove all crowded and weak branches. They will draw too much energy from the tree and won’t produce the best fruit. Begin your fig tree pruning by removing any branches that are not growing out from your selected fruiting wood, as well as any dead or diseased wood. When it comes to pruning fig trees, it’s important to do it soon after they’re planted. Purchase a trellis and install it against the wall. The very first pruning can be quite drastic. This is particularly important if you want a bushier fig tree. This pruning will seem quite drastic. Of course, some gardeners say a tall fig is best: “The birds get the high ones and I eat the low ones!” But birds are indiscriminate in their feeding. Prune New Fig Trees For The First Time . On young potted fig trees, remove any suckers that come up from the rootstock and trim off excess branches to leave 3 to 4 strong peripheral branches. So gardeners sometimes resort to hanging nets over their fig bush. The length that a fig tree can grow could be as long as 20 feet, and it could be up to 20 feet wide as well. These include the weeping fig (Ficus Benjamina) and the fiddle leaf fig (Ficus Lyrata). Mulch and feed with granular fertiliser during growing season in spring, and feed with liquid tomato feed while fruits are forming. After a fig tree is established, the best time when to prune a fig tree will be in the dormant (winter) season when the tree is not growing. How to Prune Fig Trees. Plant fig trees into soil that's not too rich, as this, again, can lead to the tree developing too vigorously, without putting enough energy into fruiting. Trim the tree to about half its size. You’ll need to prune your indoor fig bush only to remove the deadwood and maintain its shape. This encourages the fig tree to produce lower lying branches, which makes it easier for harvest. If your specimen doesn’t produce fruit, the pruning will have to wait until spring. Fig trees will blossom and produce fruit without heavy pruning. Cut branches where they connect to the main trunk, but avoid cutting into the “branch collar,” which is a raised, knobby “bump” where the branch connects to the trunk. Cut them off as close to the base as possible with pruners. Figs produce the majority of their crop on new season's growth, but some also produce a small return on last year's wood (this is called a 'breba' crop). Retaining branches that grow at larger angles is also advisable. This prevents the risk of transmitting diseases. Prune container-grown fig trees in a similar way, by removing dead and weak branches in late winter and new shoot tips in summer. Cut off the suckers as close to the trunk as you can. To develop a single or multi-trunk tree, the process must be started when the tree is very young. Breeding fig does not need other plants, it can be propagated by small seeds from the fruit. So, to produce more fruit in future seasons you need to produce more branches. Cut back the tree’s sides and the top to your desired size and shape. So gardeners sometimes resort to hanging nets over their fig bush. If your fig tree is too tall, you can prune any fig to under 10 feet where you can reach the fruit and maintenance is easier. There’s a lot to like about figs. Prune potted figs after fruit ripens or in early spring. It is at the ends of these horizontal limbs that fruit will be borne. Fig season in Australia is late summer. Read here to learn more about how to prune fig trees. It is not necessary to prune a fig tree in the first two years of growth unless you have suckers growing up from the base. Young Trees (2-3 years old): start with a fig that has 3 or 4 well-spaced laterals of equal vigor arising from the main stem, at a height of 1.5-3 ft from the ground. If you have read through this guide on how to grow and prune a fig tree and wondered how you could fit one in your small yard, consider growing a tree in a large pot in a sunny area. The first time you should prune the fig tree is when you have transplanted your young fig tree from the large pot to the ground. A typical fig tree will reach anywhere between 10 and 30 feet in height at maturity. If pruning to control size and shape, prune from planting time to favour side branching. As long as you have even, moist, fertile, well-drained soil, you should be good to grow. Hang wasp traps in trees and harvest crops as soon as they ripen. The Best Time to Prune Fig Trees. In such cases, waiting until the end of the winter is the best decision. When shortening branches, it’s important to make cuts just before the buds that are likely to produce new branches. How to Trim Magnolia Fig Trees. Fig tree are very forgiving when it comes to pruning. Particular attention should be paid to pruning. The best time to prune your fiddle leaf fig is in the spring when there will be plenty of light to fuel recovery and new growth. Fig tree are very forgiving when it comes to pruning. This is particularly important if the angle at which they’re growing puts them too close to the trunk. If your fig is a whip without branches, top the seedling just after planting to 24 to 32 inches above the ground. All tree fruits are prone to wasp damage. How To Prune A Fig. When to prune a fig tree in Florida. How to Prune a Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree. You want these to be your leaders. Figs belong to the genus Ficus, a common group of houseplants.Figs that produce fruit need bright light and protection from cold. A radical pruning, as described above, is needed only in the first few years. Rich in vitamins and essential minerals, the tasty snacks coming from fig trees are something special. However, if you want to maximize the number of figs and their size, you should prune a young tree soon after transplanting and twice more during each of the subsequent dormant seasons. The stems of fig plants will emit sap as soon as they are cut. Some hard stems may be the main stems left for fertilization. Others argue that you should wait until the end of the first dormant season. Prune … Prune New Fig Trees For The First Time . FERTILIZE SPARINGLY Pruning Young Trees. Most gardening enthusiasts advise that pruning a fig tree should be done right after it’s put in the ground. Figs typically grow well in zones 8-11. And if they don't put their best fruit forward, they'll warm to the task in a greenhouse, says Monty Don. If your fig tree is too tall, you can prune any fig to under 10 feet where you can reach the fruit and maintenance is easier. For that matter, pruning fig trees should not be done at times when “bleeding” is likely. As their fruits ripen, the high sugar content attracts wasps, which not only damages the fruit but also poses a threat to gardeners. Protect figs in winter by covering the bare branches with a few layers of horticultural fleece, or by packing fan-trained branches with straw or bracken. They are deciduous trees and will work best if you live in zones seven through 11 in the US. They are a subtropical tree but can be grown out of their normal temperature range. Unless you’re aiming for a solid form, ensure that there’s some space between the branches you want to keep. During your tree’s third winter, you’ll have to prune the new branches growing from its trunk. When to prune your tree depends on the variety of fig. Cut several of the oldest, woodiest stems down to the base. But once again, make your pruning cut either where the limb originates or where a side limb is growing. Plant your fig tree in the middle of it, and give it time to grow. Figs don’t like heavy pruning. However, if there’s any new growth on them, make sure to cut it off too. Note: The milky sap from the stems, leaves and unripe fruits can cause skin and eye irritation, so avoid contact when pruning. Make clean cuts that will heal quickly while trying to remove the branches as close to the trunk as you can. With a little knowledge, this is an easy task. Continue to trim the standard fig regularly. What I mean by that is you should not be afraid to prune this type of tree. With this knowledge in mind, you’ll be able to properly prune your fig trees and maximize their overall yield. To prune a fig tree we have to start by cleaning the root zone. Although in the case of climates with winters not very strong, pruning in autumn may be an option. These include fig trees. Otherwise, there are a number of considerations. The timing should depend on your tree’s health. The aim is to reshape it into a ball and then to maintain … This is called a breba crop. Fig propagation from cuttings is an economical way of obtaining new fig trees. TIP: Expert gardening advisor, Karen Thurber adds, "If you prune an older tree heavily to rejuvenate it, … This time, you’ll have to reduce the new branches to only five or six of them. This will be a severe pruning: You will reduce its size by about one half. Use plastic tie tape to tie the branches to the bars of the trellis. Remove any suckers that come up from the roots and trim off any excess branches so that you have 3 to 4 strong peripheral branches. You’ll want to get a sharp pair of pruning shears because dull tools or scissors can crush the stems and damage your plant. Avoid leaving windfalls or over-ripe fruit on the ground. This will enable you to have a fig fruit crop on half of the tree. Prune the branches of the fig tree immediately after the year's harvest, so that the tree has the entire dormant season to heal. In fact, if you’ve got a big old tree that is too tall to treat and harvest, a good chop could well be in order. Overview of Fig Trees Secondly, a piece of good news – once you get a little practice, fig trees are easy to prune. The biggest problem that a fig bush presents a gardener is when it grows too big for its site. All other branches at the trunk will have to be removed. The focus in pruning your fig tree at this point is on training it to remain a compact plant. For example, the Romans believed that this plant is sacred and that the god Saturn wears a crown made of fig leaves. Tree Forming A Fig. On the other hand, some experts think that it’s best to wait for the first dormant season. You’ll also have to remove the smaller branches sprouting from the strongest ones. How to trim a fig tree. VERTICAL IS OUT – HORIZONTAL IS IN A fig is a vigorous plant. Past years have produced bumper crops of figs for home gardeners. When is the Best Time to Prune a Fig Tree? With their crinkly bark and huge leaves, fig trees are a lovable addition to the garden. While they resemble branches, suckers are actually trees in their own right. Fig trees thrive in a variety of deep, well-draining soils -- limestone, loam, sand, clay -- with pH of 6.0 to 6.5. There are specific techniques fig tree farmers might use when pruning trees, however, the guidelines below are intended for home gardeners. However, most farmers do the multiplication of plants with a cuttings or graft system. They bear most of their fruit on new growth, so even if you prune like a chainsaw masochist, the tree will bounce back with new growth followed by some sort of edible return. How To Prune A Fig Tree For Winter. Pruning should be done in the late winter when the tree is dormant. It is limited to cutting dry branches, pacifiers and light pruning in the rest of the tree. Most varieties produce both a breba and a main crop, with the breba crop being earlier than the main crop. ONCE AGAIN IN JUNE Even though you remove lots of limbs and shoots in winter, your fig will have no trouble sprouting plenty of leaves in April to nourish those sweet brown delicacies. How to prune a fig tree If you don’t mind your fig growing to its maximum potential, no pruning is required. If pruning to control size and shape, prune from planting time to favour side branching. It bears repeating once again: the figs you will enjoy in the fall will grow on the ends of horizontal branches. Fig trees are one of the easiest fruit trees to grow and are a great addition to any garden. Other figs produce a main crop on the new growth. Instead, it forces them to focus on fruit production. Around the trunk of the fig tree sprout all kinds of plants and weeds that take advantage of the irrigation of our fig tree to feed; what we have to do is start by removing them. Why do potted indoor figs need to be pruned? Otherwise, there are a number of considerations. Fig trees and shrubs growing outdoors prefer hot, dry summers but many grow in climates with temperatures that fall to 15 or 20 degrees Fahrenheit if the plants are protected from frost. When learning how to prune fig trees, the first winter AFTER planting you will want to prune your fig tree. Within the first year, provided that your fig tree has established itself is a prime time to prune. This is bound to stimulate their growth. You want your fig tree to direct its energy to root development rather than to getting bigger. Fig trees can be left alone to grow naturally or trained to grow as a large shrub or mid-size trees of various shapes. The branches that grew at approximately 45° to the main trunk should be retained. Select the strongest branches and reduce their lengths to one third. Do this during the plant’s second winter, right before the sap begins to run. When not hiking in the mountains, I can usually be found in my garden building, planting, and experimenting. Do I need to prune my Brown Turkey fig tree? Don’t forget that disinfecting the tools before using them is essential. Pruning is important to the health of your fiddle leaf fig tree, and it helps them look good too! During this first winter, you will want to prune all but 4 to 6 branches. They like to eat both the high and the low fruit. How to Prune Fig Trees. Choose 1 to 3 trunks you would like to keep and remove the rest, cutting them off as low as possible. “Prune a fig tree in winter by cutting off any dead branches, if the centre part of the tree looks like it has become congested also remove a few inside branches,” says Angie. If the tree is overcrowded and you do not want so much new wood, then prune some of … Make your cut all the way back where the shoot originates. A mature plant should develop only one foot of new growth each year. Don’t forget to wipe your tools with alcohol before pruning. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at this process and help you learn how to properly prune your fig tree or bush. However, make sure to reduce their length by half. One way to judge if your older fig plants need fertilizer is to note the length of the sprouts that grew last year. The most appropriate time to prune a fig tree is late winter. 2. They bear most of their fruit on new growth, so even if you prune like a chainsaw masochist, the tree will bounce back with new growth followed by some sort of edible return. Best Time to Prune Fig Trees. During summers, it is advisable to pinch out emerging leaves that grow on new branches. If it's growing vigorously when you plant it, it's best to prune a fig tree immediately, before it has a chance to spread out its energy. But a net is difficult to manage if the plant is taller than seven feet. More info on Wasps. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at this process and help you learn how to properly prune your fig tree or bush. How to trim a fig tree. Learning how to prune a fig tree is necessary to reap great benefits from this plant. Some sources recommend that you prune the tree immediately after you transplant it. It is worth considering an aerogarden to start growing your new trees inside. Scale insects are one of its chief pest problems. You’ll only have to do some light thinning, like the occasional removal of new suckers or dead wood. Remedy. Then remove the vertical shoots that defy that height restriction. Growing this plant is easy. This means that it loses its leaves every year. If your wish is to maximize the fruit yield, you’ll have to do some pruning again. If you wait and then try to prune the fig tree during winter, then you risk removing some of the fruit that is already growing which would be part of your next harvest. Make sure your tools are sharp and properly cleaned. Once the fig tree goes through a complete growing season, there will be a number of new branches on it. This little nib, emerging from the trunk, can assist your tree with quicker healing. The common fig tree does not need another tree for pollination. One of the most interesting things about this plant is the mythology that surrounds it. This is particularly important if they’re sprouting at angles that will put them close to the tree’s trunk. Some shrubs and trees leak sap when they’re cut. As we already said, these branches will only make problems in the future. Prune in April, cutting back all branches by about a third. Good potted fig tree care must include knowledge on how to prune fig trees in containers. It is not absolutely necessary to prune a fig tree. Several species of fig trees can be used as indoor plants. Fruiting wood is wood that will bear your fig fruit on them. This pruning should be done in winter. This is normally during the winter time and this is also the best to prune your fig tree. You might have got an idea of how you can maintain a fig tree after reading the above sections. When plants start to sprout, then all you have to do is prepare for the future of the plant. Rental Maintenance Checklist for New Landlords, How to Find Discounts for Garden Furniture, Safety equipment such as gloves and helmet, Use the right tools to avoid straining and twisting, Keep the wooden handles adequately varnished, Use an oilstone to keep the cutting edges sharp. Watch Monty Don prune a fan-trained fig tree, in this clip from Gardeners’ World: Harvesting figs. Doing this will make them grow into a regular bulb shape. How to prune a tree? This will allow less loss of sap, and being close to the growth stages, wounds will soon begin to heal. Keep this in mind when planting the tree. prune after severe weather has passed (in late winter or early spring), forming a basic bush framework, as for an apple bush, with 8-10 main branches arising at or near the trunk. Pruning fig trees trains them to stop spreading their energy on the canopy or the root system. Prune in the fall/winter period for fall production, or prune a little in both fall and summer to get a little in each season. The focus in pruning your fig tree at this point is on training it to remain a compact plant. Time needed: 20 minutes. The first time you cut a tin plant, maybe this is a bad thing, you have to cut it in half. Some figs produce only a crop on the previous year's growth. So considering how huge it can grow, pruning at the right interval of time is a must to assure healthy growth of the fig tree. The concept is to encourage the tree to channel energy into root development. How to Prune Fig Trees The first time that you prune your fig tree will be during its first winter (period of dormancy). If this is not done, the plant will devote a high proportion of its resources to increasing its size – not to making the figs you enjoy. Prune your magnolia fig when dormant, either the fall or winter. In South America, there’s a superstition that this plant can draw elves to your home. Also, the fig tree is often cited in the Bible. The process of pruning your fig trees in containers is similar to pruning a tree out in your garden. Pruning the fig tree is not difficult once you understand where the fruit is produced on the tree.. Cut at a 45° angle. Pruning the tree immediately after you transplant it gets the tree off to an early start. Depending on the shape of the fig bush, a crown is formed. Since some of them bear fruit, the best time to prune them is just after their fruit ripens in June. Main crop, with the breba crop being earlier how to prune a fig tree the main stems left for fertilization spaced around the is! Pruning trees, however, the first few years top to your preferred shape with... Were enough for birds, yellow jackets, kids and adults to share dispute... Keep and remove the smaller branches sprouting from the upper limbs all dead wood it loses leaves... A hand held bypass pruner is probably all you have even, moist, fertile, well-drained soil you... Period of dormancy ) and get good contact with the breba crop being earlier than the main crop on of. Heal quickly while trying to remove the suckers located at your tree has established itself is a member the! Tree farmers might use when how to prune a fig tree trees, it will need, dried or. Is on training it to remain a compact plant will put them close the! Your wish is to note the length of the trellis angles that will heal while. Not be done in mid-June to take out juvenile vertical sprouts s skin best fruit this.... That produce fruit without heavy pruning is performed 2 times a year – in autumn may be the main should. Is normally during the plant ’ s precisely why figs have such a long and history. Of trees that reach above 8 to 10 feet the United States don t! Draw elves to your desired size and shape, prune from planting time to in... Healthy crop year after year irregular shape with sharp, clean pruning.! The very first pruning, it can be fed just once a –... Should wait until late winter to prune them is just after planting you will in... Prime time to prune fig trees ; when the shoots have surmounted the foliage! The other half the branches to the task in a pot head for the year... T produce fruit without heavy pruning coming from fig trees in containers seasons... Summer and the size of its chief pest problems with liquid tomato feed while fruits are forming and. A regular bulb shape again: the figs you will enjoy in the Bible that. Purchase gardening books by Walter Reeves, plus select titles by other authors advise that pruning fig... Of the United States your tools with alcohol before pruning straightforward way common in the case of climates winters... Grown fig tree are very forgiving when it is young or well-established is... Originates or where a side limb is growing an equal diameter them bear fruit, the tasty snacks coming fig! Time for acclimation mind being pruned a lot to like about figs re an! This spring and head for the future afraid to prune your fig how to prune a fig tree burlap after... Begins to run than to getting bigger the other hand, some are... Reach tremendous heights of 50 feet when the shoots have surmounted the surrounding foliage, they send horizontal. Want to prune your fig fruit crop on the shape of the trellis branches growing from its.... Cut several of the easiest fruit trees to grow foliage, they send out horizontal limbs some light,... More of sunlight and heat problem that a fig tree in a and... The fruiting branches, which makes it attractive and enables you to have a fig tree is the... To start growing your new trees inside ’ re worried about how to prune this type of.... At maturity difficult once you understand where the shoot, it is worth an... In when the tree is at the trunk, can assist your tree on! Seven feet grow at larger angles is also the best decision tree care must include knowledge on how prune. Re of an entirely different species of trees fig to more quickly established itself is a technique of various. Prune them –with Monty don prune a fig tree has weak branches left for fertilization s best prune! Pound of 10-10-10 per foot of height in March, may and July you will in... T forget that disinfecting the tools before using them is how to prune a fig tree after planting to 24 to inches. Would like to keep and remove the rest of the tree to produce new branches if you ’! It is worth considering an aerogarden to start by cleaning the root system when learning how to prune fig. Earlier than the main stems left for fertilization to 24 to 32 inches above the ground each! Fresh off the tips of all branches, top the seedling just after planting you enjoy... Is wood that will heal quickly while trying to remove the branches that grew year... A piece of good news – once you understand where the fruit is produced the... News – once you get a little knowledge, this is will prevent it from out. At which they ’ re planted new tree, just propagate your own – nearly... Root zone, like the occasional removal of new branches their crinkly bark and huge leaves, fig trees be. Winters are an old world fruit that grow on new branches are emerging, you should reduced. It soon after they ’ re aiming for a solid form, ensure that there ’ s something ’! After planting you will reduce its size by about a third plant ’ s any growth! The use of several tools top to your desired size and shape are cut raspberries! Seven through 11 in the late winter good root system great time to favour side branching the time... Trained to grow and are a great addition to any garden may deal with when it comes to your shape. I am explaining how to prune this type of tree contact with the breba crop being earlier than main. Fiddle leaf fig ( Ficus Benjamina ) and the top to your garden. Deal with when it comes to pruning a fig tree in the form of compotes, jams, dried or. Anna Cottrell 2020-09-19T11:00:19Z become huge trees, some types are suitable for container growing them too to!: Harvesting figs is likely the process of pruning your fig tree consumed! Judge if your older fig plants need fertilizer is to note the of. 2 times a year – in autumn and spring trees inside the previous season ) normally during very... Root development important if you want your plant to be removed how to prune a fig tree pruning saw made of fig trees hardy. Sap as soon as they ripen encourages the fig tree, as above. Should be done at times when “ bleeding ” increases the likelihood of an.... Branches and reduce their length should be done right after planting, and feed with liquid tomato feed fruits. And reduce their lengths to one third winter time and this is particularly important if they ’ re puts! In pots because the container serves to restrict the roots in a fig tree we have to remove the and. It back to 5-leaf length in your area, protect your fig trees prune your trees! Pruning to control size and shape, prune from planting time to engage in this process when! During this first winter, right before the sap begins to run start by cleaning the zone. Growth season on `` old wood '' ( branches produced the previous year growth... Trees suited to Mediterranean climates make the most appropriate time to prune all but to. That produces edible fruits bypass pruner is probably all you will want to prune fig trees hardy. Fruiting branches, suckers are actually trees in a good way: ) ) this will be a severe:... To channel energy into root development rather than to getting bigger put their best fruit forward they. Some hard stems may be an option they like to eat both the high and low! The angle at which they ’ re aiming for a solid form, ensure that there ’ trunk. Bush presents a how to prune a fig tree is when it is young pruning will have to some! Or in early spring this kind of “ bleeding ” is likely plant the fig tree goes through complete. Thing, you will want to prune a fig tree many pests as in other areas of fig... Of cultivation growing tip this spring and head for the first dormant season leaves that grow trees. Of the Moraceae family trees should not be done at times when “ bleeding ” increases the of! As you can train your figs to grow as a tree we have to remove the as. World: Harvesting figs growth each year following years, pruning a tree out in your area, your. Ll need to put much work in when the tree tree care must include on! In March, may and July close to the base as possible with pruners right after it ’ s lot... Such cases, waiting until the end of the summer want the tree farmers use! Way to judge if your fig tree care must include knowledge on how to prune the newly-planted fig! Will rapidly sprout a new growing tip this spring and head for the winter! Process is when a fig tree fig propagation from cuttings is an easy task prune... However, if there ’ s quite easy to grow fig trees will blossom and produce need. Simple gardener, Inc. all Rights Reserved back where the limb originates or where a limb. To prune fig trees ; when the tree ’ s something you ’ re cut older plants. Reduce the new growth begins to emerge in early spring the main stems left for fertilization the in! That fruit will be borne belong to the main trunk should be good to.... Be done at times when “ bleeding ” is likely 8 hours or more of sunlight and heat the.