Hello Fig enthusiasts! I am growing an 'LSU' fig tree in my yard in Florida. It is about 4 years old, but it spent the entire first year in a pot because I was moving to a new house and needed to take it with me. When I bought it at a local fruit tree sale, the top snapped off as I was trying to maneuver it into my car. It started branching out from that point. A few years later, I now have several other branches coming up from every which direction. What I am wondering is, can I (or should I) try to shape this into a large bush or shrub shape? Or would it be better over the long run to start working at getting the tree into a more straight and upright habit? Other ficus plants I have, such as elastica, have responded well to pruning and tying of the branches to shape it, but I haven't done anything at all to this tree. What is the best way to shape up a tree like this that is growing in such a "messy" way? Thanks!

Here is a picture of it. Of course, the leaves are just starting to come back after dropping for the winter.

Josh

By the way, it produces a LOT of fruit. My wife and daughter love it but it is too sweet for my taste (tastes something like pure honey with a little butter and sugar on top).