Hardy Chicago Fig Pruning @backyardfigs

[@cbrisalchemist6887]

Excellent teaching video. So much to learn and this was concise and thorough. Thank you for sharing.

[@belladebartolo3301]

Finally a Pruning video for Figs that was very straightforward. Awesome thank you so so much. Can’t wait to do mine.

[@backyardfigs]

Thanks. I will try to show more examples. Trees that I have these days are more simplistic in form, and better suited for container growing.

[@sondramiddleton6739]

Just excellent!!! Finally a very clear example of pruning technique for my figs! Thank you!

[@backyardfigs]

Glad it was helpful, thank you for watching!

[@billchristopher8892]

I’m new to fig growing and found your video very informative thanks so much

[@glosprit]

I learned more from this video than the last 50 fig pruning videos that I've watched. Your demonstration is succinct & thorough. This is the best free fig pruning video available

[@backyardfigs]

Thank you. Glad it was helpful, I will make more videos on pruning.

[@lindaberri593]

Hi very nice tree Are throwing away all these cuttings I wish I can have some ☺️

[@dale5898]

Perfect!

[@knightonwoods287]

This is the best fig pruning video I have seen. Thank you so much. Can I prune after the shoots have started to grow or must I wait til dormancy?

[@backyardfigs]

I wish that I can give you a definitive answer. It depends on a individual tree. Time wise, it is not too late. Pruning previous season growth is definitely the safest, so even if you already have new shoots growing on those branches, pruning them back will stimulate new growth, if buds are looking healthy. Older branches are more questionable, since some buds could be dormant. Another factor is the position of branches on a trunk, for example, my Hardy Chicago had three tiers (levels), each having three scaffolding branches. Since the hormonal growth stimulant is the highest in the top branches, on my tree, top two tiers are having shoots growing, but the bottom one was delayed, just showing bud break on some branches. (It was quite cold here, too). Btw, if you like my opinion on your specific tree, you can contact me here, and after sending me pics of your tree, I will send you back a detailed sketch of your tree regarding pruning, training etc. For free, of course, I enjoy new challenges. [e-mail]

[@agent4127]

Nice pruning

[@backyardfigs]

Thank you.

[@marilynwhite2155]

Wow great clear pruning video- being a novice i wzs gasping at what yiu took off. Cant believe that yiur tred is 12 years old and only in a 10 gallon growing container.- and yiu said you had so many figs on those short branches last fruiting season. Is this tree likely to ever go into a bigger pot ?? Im fascinated by your style of growing figs- i love the tree look. Thank you for slow clear instructions. Best pruning video and explanation ever.

[@backyardfigs]

Hi Marilyn, thank you for nice words. I realize that my way of growing is different from others. My trees have to be more compact to pass through 31'' door frame to end up in my indoor grow room. 10 gal. size is maximum for lifting and caring downstairs, in fact most are in 7 gal. This Hardy Chicago had little longer branches two years ago, and one was replaced with a better positioned smaller branch. I was too busy with my other trees, and didn't count figs or even care as much for it last year, so the production was lower. This year I will make a special video about this tree to showcase my growing style. I am assuming that it will have about 100 figs. Which will be great for someone who wishes to have one or two trees occupying smaller footprint. I do have a video and pics of this tree from 3 and 4 years ago when it had about 143 and 162 figs, I believe, and when I have more time, will post those, Stay tuned...

[@1966sander]

So excited for this year, I’ve learned so much from your. The weather looks good next week (metro Detroit) can the trees go outside and if it gets cold again I can move them in the garage. Love this channel ❤ thank you

[@backyardfigs]

Weather forecast looks great for the next 7 days, they predict 78F at the end, and possibly more warm days afterwards. You should absolutely take your trees outside, just make sure that sun doesn't burn tender leaves if they have any. I should have made that recommendation in my video. Garage is perfect for shuffling purposes. However, for me this wouldn't be practical for all of my trees, maybe select few.

[@dougzuckerman]

Very helpful video. Thank you

[@neurocognitive]

Beautiful looking tree. This one has no leaves yet. So did this one not go into your grow room like the others? Your grow room trees look nicely leafed out already. When is the big move to the outside going to happen?

[@backyardfigs]

This one is getting too big for me to move downstairs. Depending on the weather, trees usually go outside by mid May, hopefully sooner.

[@neurocognitive]

@@backyardfigs Looking forward to seeing the actual moving. Especially if you have to negotiate stairs, etc. I have a few 25 gal pots I have to move this spring. Some are avocado trees and some are fig trees. I have a dolly, but it will definitely take 2 people. Not looking forward to it......:( Good Luck!

[@backyardfigs]

@@neurocognitive Thanks, likewise!

[@katrinagarland5219]

Love your videos but I'm still confused (I'm a newbie)... do you prune in the late fall or late winter? What is the name of the product you used to smear on the tips after cutting? Thanks

[@backyardfigs]

Hi. Figs are generally pruned in dormancy, when sap flow is minimized. Winter is ideal, In fall there could still be sap flowing, and in spring it would flow even more. It is also easier to apply pruning paste on the scar ( I left a link in description for this Japanese pruning paste - Kiyonal ). But if you miss this timing, early spring is still ok, I like to patch a pruning scar with a paper towel until it stops sap flowing, and then apply paste, two- three days later. Some growers don't use paste, but in my area insects (borers) like to enter through soft pulpy scar.

[@katrinagarland5219]

Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions!