skip to main content

newbie needs help pruning first fig tree

19 years ago

I just bought my first fig, a White Genoa, which I have planted in a half barrel. It has one 3 feet tall main stem with several baby fruit, and only one 1 ft branch. I would like to keep in under 7 feet tall and train it to an informal fan shape as it is growing against a fence. Any advice? Is it too late to prune? Do I head it back now? Do I tip the one branch or leave it alone? Advice would be greatly appreciated.

Sort by:Oldest

Comment (1)

pitangadiego
19 years ago
Lisa, if it was mine, and I wanted it top branch out more and be more bush like, I would cut it off at about 16" above the soil line. Now is not the best time, but will not hurt the tree long term, and will get it headed ion the direction (shape) you want this season. When it is dormant, prune each bra nch back to 2-4 leaf nodes, which will encourage further branching next season.

These are inground tress, but give you the idea:

http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/fig/msg0100594215655.html

http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/fig/msg0101490623831.html
Related Professionals
Rome Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Athens Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · San Marcos Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Fresno Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Las Vegas Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Lafayette Landscape Contractors · Ardmore Landscape Contractors · Johnson City Landscape Contractors · Plainfield Landscape Contractors · Brooklyn Landscape Contractors · Port Saint Lucie Kitchen Remodelers · Belleville Kitchen Remodelers · Toms River Kitchen Remodelers · Philadelphia Kitchen Remodelers · Boston Kitchen Remodelers

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES Got Frost-Damaged Plants? How It Happens, and When and How to Prune

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Don’t rush to cut back brown, brittle growth after a freeze

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Common Fig

By Becky Harris

A full form and delicious fruits make this Middle Eastern tree a favorite in gardens around the world

Ideabook 911: I Need Help Staging for Resale

By Becky Harris

WINTER GARDENING Pruning Secrets for Exquisite Roses

By Annie Thornton

Encourage gorgeous blooms year after year with this time-tested advice on how to prune your rosebush in winter for health and shape

GARDENING GUIDES How to Prune Your Flowering Shrubs for the Best Blooms

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Less is often more when it comes to properly pruning flowering shrubs. Here’s what to do and why

HOUSEPLANTS Play Up Some Fiddleleaf Figs for a Lively Indoor Tune

By creative jewish mom.com

Strike a dramatic chord in a minimalist scene or a country note in a rustic setting — fiddleleaf fig plants harmonize with any style

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Native Plants Help You Find Your Garden Style

By Oakley Gardens

Imagine the garden of your dreams designed with plants indigenous to your region

FARM YOUR YARD The 8 Tools That Help Bring the Farm to Your Table

By Abundant City

Vegetable gardeners get a big assist from these essential helpers

GARDENING GUIDES How to Keep Your Citrus Trees Well Fed and Healthy

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Ripe for some citrus fertilizer know-how? This mini guide will help your lemon, orange and grapefruit trees flourish

LIFE You Said It: ‘Put It Back’ If It Won’t Help Your House, and More Wisdom

By Becky Harris

Highlights from the week include stopping clutter from getting past the door, fall planting ideas and a grandfather’s gift of love

Sponsored