Advice on Pruning Fig Trees

last year

Hi all,

I'm looking for advice on how to prune my fig tree. I inherited this fig tree nearly 2 years ago when we bought our house - I do not have a history w/ pruning or figs. I have done some research, but I'm not not 100% confident on what to do. A few notes:

The tree had nearly 8 main branches coming from the base, but after a bad wind storm, I'm only left with 2-3 main branches.
The tree is very healthy and produces hundreds of figs in the late summer
The tree's main 2 branches are now nearly 10-11 ft tall.

My goal is to prune the tree back to make it more "bush" looking so that I have a denser tree where I can grab the figs.

In order to achieve that goal, I have some questions:

Should I "head back" the two main branches (I've attached a picture of where I think I should make the cut)
Should I completely cut off the 3rd small branch to help focus on the main 2?
Is there any additional pruning I should do to start shaping the tree to be more of a denser bush?

Appreciate any and all advice!

Featured Answer

Moses, Pitt PA, cold W & hot-humid S, z6

last year

last modified: last year

My advice comes a little late, but here goes.

Prune to the height where the expected full length of new growth made this year keeps the figs produced within easy picking just standing and reaching easily. Then every year hereafter, spring pruning will be less drastic. Get a nice scaffolding going. The tree will produce better and be more aesthetically appealing to look at.

I would keep the third, smallest trunk, and work it into the design of the scaffolding.

Moses.

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Comments (6)

iochroma
last year
It would be helpful to know (if you know) whether it is a two-crop (fruiting on old wood and new) or a one-crop (fruiting only on new wood) variety.

At worst, a bad pruning job will sacrifice the first crop on old wood.

It isn’t so big that I would worry about shape or height yet. My first impression on your picture would be to prune a bit higher than your marks.

You don’t say where you are, but generally in a climate where hard freezes are possible, I would wait until the late winter to initiate pruning in case there is tip damage from freezing.
scojo18
Original Author
last year
@iochroma Thank you for your reply! I'm 90% certain I have a Brown Turkey fig tree, so a two-crop. I've attached a picture of one of the figs from my tree.

I'm in Atlanta, Georgia. Right on the line between 7b & 8a.

I'm happy to prune a bit higher, just in case. and I'm happy to wait until late Feb / early March to prune.

- Why do you suggest not worrying about shape or height yet?

- Besides "heading back" of bit higher, any other pruning suggestions?

Thanks,
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dieseler
last year
Fig tree's can be easily pruned and shaped how you want them it is all up to the caretaker. You can prune as low or high as you want they are very forgiving.

Would also have 3-5 canes coming out of ground as one never knows how much damage the next storm will do.

Martin
Sherry8aNorthAL
last year
My Brown Turkey in N Al got 30/35 ft tall. Covered in figs. Us, the neighbors, strangers, birds, squirrels, chipmunks, deer, etc. all feasted. Last year killed it to the roots. It is sprouting back, but I do not know how long it will take? No figs this year.
scojo18
Original Author
last year
I made the 3 cuts according to plan and the Fig Tree looks to be doing pretty well! New Figs are coming out and lots of new branches emerging. I'm dealing with some sun scorch, butI believe that'd be expected after the major prune.

I even have a few new shoots coming out of the bottom of the tree, right off the 3rd branch I cut (from the original image). I will pick a couple winners from that group and let them shoot up.

Let me know if ya'll have any other advice from what you're seeing! Thanks again to everyone.