I have a few figs like that. What you have there is a nice tree trunk. Those suckers at the bottom will grow into a bush. To get side branches, all you have to do is pinch the growth at the top. This will force the tree to branch out. I have an unknown variety (lost the tag) that looks much like yours. I was dismayed to find that some critter bit off the entire top with the new leaves growing.

I have no clue what critter did this, BUT two weeks later I counted 9 new sprouts coming in along the entire trunk and tops. The critter did me a favor, but I now spray my trees with a mix of tabasco and water to discourage any more eating of my fig leaves. I wish I could post a photo of the magic that occurred after this unwanted pruning.

In your case, just pinching the growth tips should get you a nice bunch of side growth. I don't think you need to cut it at the red line. You won't kill the fig, but it will bleed sap since it's in full growth mode.

Good luck!

Hi as Suzi i would not be cutting that far down it will be ok but a bit over the top
you could alway put a fence round it

I thought I'd take an update photo of my "critter pruned" fig tree so you can see how the pruning magic happens. The tree now has a critter fence and each leaf is sprayed with Tabasco as a deterrent. Notice all the new growth on the bare trunk. :-)

Suzi, G&G. Thank you.

I have two figs. One is a year older so I've had more pruning experience on it and where I've pruned the central leader, or any branch, it has put out usually two side branches.

I will snip the tip and post an update here for anyone interested in the future.

Thanks again!

Matt

You can wait till next season if you desire to see if the nodes in middle awaken in new season , the middle for some reason or another has what is called dormant nodes that are not awaken yet.

When pruned usually a few nodes are awakened below the prune.

Personally i like the top part and not the lower part as its to close to ground level but the top and again its just personal preference, from the top perspective growing taller and sending out limbs as it does continue will make a very nice looking plant.

Martin

Update here for anyone interested in pruning results.

First pic is from August 14, 2015 (just 6 weeks after previous pic). The nodes on the trunk did not wake up, but the top and bottom branches filled out nicely.

Pruned everything back after leaf drop in December.

Second pic is from March 4, 2016. 5-6 nodes on main trunk are awake (as you said, dieseler).

Thanks for the advice, everyone.