Fig Tree Pruning: Single Trunk or Sprawling Bush?

[@jenniferblanchard4856]

I just purchased a fig tree today and found your video on how to prune. Thank you for all the information provided!

[@LazyDogFarm]

Glad it was helpful!

[@matthewking2209]

Good tips on pruning.

[@gardeningsimplified]

I've found that some of my varieties still ripen their figs, while some will just drop them. I went to shoot a video on taking cuttings, and found a good many that were ready. They were good and tasty, but not as flavorful as the ones during the growing season.

[@leslierowell392]

How important/significant is pruning to higher fig production?

[@LazyDogFarm]

Not as important on a young tree, but it can be very important on an older tree.

[@leslierowell392]

A video on pruning for maximum production would be beneficial. I’m in 8A/7B with mature trees that are 10-12’ tall and wide.

[@joeyl.rowland4153]

Mine are still growing.

[@donnaz1961]

Is it okay to trim your fig trees now? I'm in Marietta Georgia and I always thought that you had to wait till 1st of spring 🤷‍♀️

[@LazyDogFarm]

I like to trim mine as soon as they go dormant, that way I have time to put mulch around them and check all my irrigation lines before spring.

[@garydeems7600]

I'm in Winder Georgia and just getting started in figs. Good to know that there is a fellow Georgian who loves figs also.

[@michaelmosley254]

You make me want to get a fig tree I'm sure I even like em I like fig newtons

[@baneverything5580]

Figs fresh off the tree are shockingly sweet and delicious.

[@eroggero]

I have the GE Neary and conadria never have prune them ( actually just picked a couple of figs today ) but they never have gotten to big. I’m also not sure if they ever really go dormant down here SW Florida, but I was thinking of pruning them after I picked the fruit is it OK to prune even though they still have leaves and they are not dormant and might try starting a clipping for a back up..

[@stephenmarcantel7676]

I’m for south Louisiana. Some years we get early dormancy. But usually it’s super late. I prune mine even though it isn’t dormant. I’d keep in mind cold snaps when pruning though.

[@LittlePieceOfHeaven.65]

so would I do the same with a potted tree/bush ?

[@sweetcaramelsmile]

Geez, I missed this one. Wonder if it’s too late to trim my GE Neeri. Bought it last year from you with three other varieties. It’s the only one not sprouting yet. It looks a mess! That thing has soo many shoots coming off it.🤦🏽‍♀️

[@LazyDogFarm]

If it hasn't started budding, you could probably still prune it.

[@susanparker-heitel702]

Question. I have a fig tree growing in a huge pot because I was told not to plant it as the roots will undermine the foundation of my house. Is this true? Several years ago it was full of fruit but just prior to harvest a small tornado snatched 3/4 of the top. It is slowly growing back and had a handful of fruit this year. It is a survivor but I am sure it would be happier in the ground.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Yeah I probably wouldn't plant it too close to the house. Pick a nice sunny spot where it can have a little room to grow.

[@79PoisonBreaker]

when cutting the branches off a person should be careful to cut the branch and not the shoulder( bulge in trunk where branch begins). Trees heal branches without issue but damaging part of a main trunk takes far longer to heal leaving it open to pests and disease for a long time.

[@joshadair4744]

Figs main crop only grow on new growth some varieties will ripen a breba crop which will grow on the past years growth by pruning your tree a lot you do change the hormone levels and encourage more growth early in the year then just focusing on producing fruit but main crop only grow on new growth from that year so unless your completely hacking a tree back , a pruning of a few branches won’t hurt your harvest much I have found

[@FLOrchardHome]

Can you propagate those cuttings?

[@LazyDogFarm]

Yes.

[@lauras5312]

Thanks Travis

[@FC2ESWS]

The biggest question is - which is more productive? Single leader or bush type?

[@LazyDogFarm]

Bush is probably more productive. Single trunk is more manageable.

[@THEGROWITS]

I try to keep 3 mains like a upside down pyramid