Sounds like your trees can use a root pruning session....but, do it next spring, before bud-break, just as the dormancy period ends. It's not too difficult but it is messy.

Lift the trees out of the original, 20-gallon containers, and mix up a new batch of potting medium, then start trimming the roots. I'd prune back all dead roots and then trim/reduce the root ball by about 1/3. Wash away most of the older, depleted, growing medium, and replant your trees into the original containers, working in the new growing mixture around the trimmed root ball. Water the trees to settle the medium around the roots.

At the same time, I would also trim back/prune away any unwanted, or, overly long branches, twigs, etc. Prune your trees back to the size and shape that you want. Stake the newly potted trees if it's necessary.

As buds start to break, and unfurl, I'd give the trees a very dilute shot of your favorite "tonic" or fertilizer.

Trees should be rejuvenated for the 2015 growing season, although I would try to limit the size of the fig crop by nipping back all new growth to 6-8 leaves. Pinching out the terminal buds after the first 6-8 leaves will also limit the length of the new branches, and keep your trees within bounds.

Good luck with your trees.

Frank

Frank,that is pretty good advise, i might add for a large potted figtree 20 gls is marginal, the smaller the pot more rootpruning.Fig roots are very long and fill a pot fast.

Frank,for me it was a long time hearing from you. I remember you wanting to move to south Florida about 2 years ago. How many kinds of figtree's do youy grow now?