Pruning your fig tree is essential for producing sweeter, tastier figs, as it allows the sugars and hormones to travel efficiently to the fruits. Fig trees are generally low-maintenance when it comes to pruning, but proper care during the initial years is crucial for training the tree’s growth pattern. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you prune your fig tree effectively.
Part 1: The Beginning Stages
Step 1: Determine When to Do Your First Pruning
The timing of your first pruning can vary. Some experts recommend pruning immediately after transplanting, while others suggest waiting until the end of the first dormant season.
- Immediate Pruning: Pruning right after transplanting helps the tree focus its energy more effectively, leading to stronger growth by the end of the season. However, there is a risk of shocking the tree if it is already weak.
- Delayed Pruning: If you are unsure about the tree’s integrity, wait until the first dormant season to prune.
Step 2: Trim the Tree Back by Half
During the first pruning, remove a significant portion of the wood. This step is crucial for training the tree to develop strong roots and grow horizontally, creating a bushier structure.
Step 3: Prune for Fruiting Wood the Following Winter
At the start of the second dormant season, select four to six strong, new branches and prune away the rest. This promotes healthier fruit and restricts the tree’s height. Ensure the chosen branches are evenly spaced around the main trunk to avoid overcrowding.
Part 2: Through the Following Years
Step 1: Do Most Pruning During the Winter
Once your fig tree reaches its third dormant season, prune during the late winter, after the coldest part of the season has passed. Winter pruning is easier due to the lack of leaves, making the branches more visible.
Step 2: Remove Suckers Growing on the Base of the Tree
Suckers are branches that grow from the base or roots of the tree. They drain energy from the main tree and should be removed to maintain the tree’s health and productivity.
Step 3: Cut Away Dead and Diseased Wood
Remove any branches showing signs of disease to prevent it from spreading. Dead wood can invite decay and should also be removed.
Step 4: Remove Branches That Do Not Come from the Fruiting Wood
New growth that does not emerge from the designated fruiting wood should be cut away to direct the tree’s energy to the fruit-producing branches.
Step 5: Trim Down the Secondary Branches
Secondary branches growing at less than a 45-degree angle from the main branches should be removed, as they can grow too close to the main trunk and produce weak fruit.
Step 6: Consider Cutting Back the Main Branches Considerably
Cut back the main fruiting branches by about one-third to one-quarter their current height. This keeps the tree small and concentrates its resources, resulting in stronger, larger, and sweeter fruit.
Step 7: Pinch Out New Growth During the Summer
Allow five or six leaves to grow on new branches during the summer, then pinch away additional leaves to direct the tree’s energy to fruit production.
Step 8: Remove Potentially Harmful Fruit in Autumn
Remove any large figs that fail to ripen during the autumn months. This redirects the tree’s energy to other areas, strengthening it for winter.
By following these steps, you can ensure your fig tree thrives and produces delicious fruit for years to come. Happy pruning! 🌳