Pruning Fig Trees Perfectly For Fig Cuttings [COMPLETE GUIDE]

Pruning fig trees is an art. Where you cut determines where the tree will grow new branches and set fruit, so you must know how your cuts will affect the tree's form. This is a complete guide for perfectly pruning a fig tree for balance, symmetry and maximum fruit production, as well as taking fig cuttings to propagate fig trees from the pruned wood.
While this video focuses on pruning fig trees in containers, these principles can be applied to pruning in ground fig trees, as well as most other fruit trees.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
0:00 When To Prune Fig Trees
0:53 Tools For Pruning Figs
1:42 Identifying Fig Tree Nodes
3:03 Fig Cuttings Ideal Size
5:04 Fig Tree Pruning Demonstration
13:32 Pruning Fig Trees For Cuttings
If you have any questions about how to prune fig trees, pruning fig trees in pots, pruning figs in ground, general questions about fig tree care, want to know about any of the things I am growing in my garden, are looking for any garden tips and tricks, or have questions about gardening and organic gardening in general, please ask in the Comments below!
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ABOUT MY GARDEN
Location: Southeastern NC, Brunswick County (Wilmington area)
34.1°N Latitude
Zone 8A
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© The Millennial Gardener

[@HJG-1019]

*This is the most clear-cut, easy-to-understand, informative video on this subject yet!* _I watched tons of videos - and many were severely lacking!_ Their titles sounded good - but did not instruct properly or show close-ups. *Thank you for taking the time to help others who need it!*

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Thank you. I do a lot of work to plan these out and edit out the "fluff" so it's as clear as possible. I really appreciate that, and I'm happy it was helpful.

[@mssavedin92]

I did it. Our 4yr old container desert king, pruned and root pruned for the first time last week plus I got it up into a 15 gallon nursery pot. I was left with 3, 24 inch scaffolds at the bottom...and a center trunk that I pruned down last week to 44 inches in height. Well today...i did the scaffolds again down to 21 inches and pruned the center trunk down to 21 inches. I was so afraid to bring it all down to same height but if what youre saying is correct..then I cant go wrong. Thankyou so much, I feel relieved that I just got it done. .

[@justanotheryummymumm]

Informative, clear and concise. You need to teach a course. Thanks from Canada!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Thank you! I'm better on video than in person because I can edit out all the bad takes 😆

[@TheMillennialGardener]

If you found this video helpful, please "Like" and share to help increase its reach! Thanks for watching 😀TIMESTAMPS for convenience: 0:00 When To Prune Fig Trees 0:53 Tools For Pruning Figs 1:42 Identifying Fig Tree Nodes 3:03 Fig Cuttings Ideal Size 5:04 Fig Tree Pruning Demonstration 13:32 Pruning Fig Trees For Cuttings

[@MJFIGS]

Excellent video. Straight forward, no wasting time and great quality 👌

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Thanks for watching!

[@furtherbeyond]

Thank you! I have many different varieties in pots and a lot of pruning to do, after I harvest the current figs, and this video helps tremendously! This is just what I needed to know.

[@therugglet]

Such a helpful explanation as to the reasons behind pruning. Clear explanation of the reason you choose to cut this branch vs. that branch. Keeping the branches at about the same height from the ground to encourage growth in both sides was something new to me. Thank you.

[@0sireion]

Thank you for the clear, rational explanations with demonstrations. This has been very helpful. I've had a fig tree for over 15 years--from a glorious parent tree full of delicious fruit. Mine is a stick with some leaves. Now I feel confident enough to prune it and maybe create some cuttings. I live in Canada so it probably should remain a houseplant. Maybe I'll share how it goes, if it goes. Say hi to Dale and give him an extra treat for me. :)

[@GumriRN]

take it from a Fig Tree owner who knew almost nothing about Figs when I bought my tree at the Colonial Williamsburg Garden Market 20 years ago. This is a knowledgable & excellent FIG EXPERT. I learned so muchj by watching this & another Fig video from this Creator. My own tree is in the ground & ever since the 1st year after I bought my tree (it was 2 feet in height & after pruning each year, it still gets too high for me to reach the top; it's 15 feet as I write this) I've ALWAYS gotten amazing fruit in August. I'm in the Northeast in zone 6 & every since the 5th year, I've pruned this tree almost back to its root base. I kind of WISH it wouldn't make so much fruit since most ppl don't know how delicious Figs are. Plus, they're kinda unforgiving as far as ripening. Once picked, they ripen quickly. But as far as pruning? Well, every year just to keep this tree manageable I prune it back BOTH in Winter & a few times even in March/ early spring. So, I wish I knew what Fig tree type I have, but this tree is almost indestructible. I've never fed it, ignore it & it still produces bushels & bushels of Figs every August.

[@lagolden3920]

You are my fig tree hero. So much specific info in one place. Not just the how but the why. You ROCK!!!!

[@DeperiviAnimae]

I really like how well you explain everything. Especially about apical dominance and also about diagonal cut not being parallel to the ground. Most people just say that it needs to be an angled cut but don’t really explain that it need to be on an angle from the ground as well to properly shed water.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

I'm glad you found the video helpful! Thank you. I appreciate you watching.

[@chickenpatti1362]

I pruned my 2 fig trees in Dec.I ended up w/ 12 new trees&both parent trees fruiting now.Mine are house plants.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Nice work! What are you going to do with all the clones? Figs can make messy house plants because they drop their leaves come fall, but they're beautiful when green.

[@chickenpatti1362]

@@TheMillennialGardener I was given 2 clones to start.I give away the clones I start.People love them.I've had them for 5 yrs now-I just rake the floors every October.....lol

[@danielng8699]

very clear and concise. This means that you really know your stuff. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@jasonjennings6686]

Great info! I just took cuttings from my trees, but now I need to go back and prune to the right size for containers

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Sounds like a plan! Thank you for watching.

[@basilparkes338]

Thank you for an excellent teaching tool, something that I shall look back on regularly to grow my fig trees. I am a novice and you put it across as though I too can be successful. So, I am now going to apply your teaching and see what happens. Many thanks. From the UK. 🙏🙏

[@azadehnezhat571]

Thank you ! that was the most clear and precise pruning video .

[@susanaprichard9499]

Very clear your teaching. Thank you

[@peggyalbright3745]

Great info! Thanks!

[@artport7]

This is the perfect instructional video for winter pruning... Thank you once again!!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@mohammedkarim8819]

Just started growing figs in containers. I learnt everything I need to know from your one video than what I watched on all the other 20+ videos on KZbin that still left me confused. Thanks a lot from the UK

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Thank you! I'm glad to hear it was helpful. I try to make tutorial guides, which are surprisingly hard to find!

[@lynettebee6045]

Tim T, Making good pruning choices is the priority in this video. Also, Scion wood can be stored before starting new trees. so potting up is not what this excellent video is about.

[@FelipeRubio85]

Very informative video, thank you for taking the time and showing us how to prune a fig tree!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Thanks for taking the time to watch!

[@dianahardt2892]

Great information! Thank you!

[@johnwaddell5792]

One of the best teaching videos that I have viewed. Thank you.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Thank you! I appreciate that. I’m glad it was helpful.

[@Mamftube]

Great job demonstrating this. Appreciate your time.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Thanks for watching!

[@rocknmamma2666]

How wonderful to have found you. I guess it's because my phones AI both listens to me, and remembers what I order, view, etc. I've just bought a couple of bare root figs, and a number of other varieties that will need to be pruned to desired shape. So thank you for such detailed information and illustrating your methods with succinct and informed reasoning.

[@shulanachord9082]

So helpful. Thank you for sharing.

[@DM-hd4xm]

Outstanding video, complete and easy to understand, thank you.

[@alanwroblewski6048]

Great video, easy to understand and very well explained. I'm going out to get some cuttings from my neighbours fig tree and propagate!

[@danorley5575]

I've been watching your videos for a couple of years and learn something new each time. Thank you for helping us fig lovers.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

You're welcome! I appreciate you watching.

[@taniachristman3735]

Very well done and easy to understand! Thx!😊

[@H00ba100]

Thank you! Very informative. I feel completely confident pruning my indoor fig tree now.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Wonderful! I'm glad it was helpful!

[@pennywiltz6906]

Here in Vermont recently pruned my 4 figs. Hoping for new and manageable growth this spring. All are 3 + years old. Had rust and spider mites over too early leaf out so just cut back. You are the best resource for fig guidance

[@TheMillennialGardener]

I'm happy to hear the videos are helpful. For the winter pests, now is a great time to spray them down with a natural pyrethrin based spray. I have pyrethrin concentrate linked in my Amazon Storefront if you need some. A little $15-20 bottle lasts me most of the season, even with my entire garden and regular use here down south. I recommend it.

[@charlesdang2557]

Awesome guide, my friend. You've answered a ton of questions for me. Thank you!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Glad I could help! Thanks for watching!

[@peterwhelan6144]

A very detailed video thank you and lots of helpful info not usually heard

[@73elperro]

Excellent video,thank you for sharing.

[@dapperdingo]

Excellent and detailed information. Thanks!

[@aymanantoun2083]

Thank you very much. You are the best one ☝️ who explained pruning Fig tree in the right way I greatly appreciate it. You are the best👍

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Thank you. I really appreciate that. I'm glad it was helpful.

[@marianaix]

Thank you!

[@CandiceWA]

Woo, so much science in this. Thank you so much for explaining it so clearly! Absolutely helpful!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching!

[@crystalquartz1300]

👍👍👍

[@edithaleicjen]

Good demonstration! I learned new ways on how to prune figs especially in the winter season! Thanks for sharing your ideas😍

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@randykemp1061]

Thanks for sharing about growing and pruning figs.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Thanks for watching!

[@paulwayne9695]

Excellent, informative, no BS instructional video. You don’t just do, you explain why. I just moved (October) across town and took my fig tree with me. It originally belonged to my great grandfather. I’m 60, so that should give you some indication of how old it is. I hope it can survive the upcoming NJ winter. I think I will take some cuttings to hedge my bets.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

I'm glad you found it helpful! It may be in your best interest to grow it in a container and overwinter it its first season. It's very popular to store dormant figs in the garage from December to February in New Jersey for those that grow figs in containers. You can then plant it in April or May when the frosts stop and give it all summer to establish and strengthen.

[@paulwayne9695]

@@TheMillennialGardener thanks for the response. I wish bringing it in was an option. When we moved it, the root ball was about 5’ across and the tree itself is about 10’ tall. And my new garage is under construction. Perfect timing. I don’t usually cover it, but I will this year.

[@dorisdelacruz8946]

Excelente, gracias por la información!

[@amysnipes4245]

As usual, great informative info. You're my go-to for figs. THANKS!!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

I appreciate that. Thanks for watching!

[@joanp105]

This was the most thorough and easily understood instruction on how to prune fig trees. You are an excellent teacher. Many thanks. I recently inherited many fig trees from a friend who died. I have been watching so many videos about successfully growing fig trees. Several have given contradictory/ confusing information to this “newbie”. I am trying to sort it all out, and know that after watching one in particular, I should NOT have gone outside and removed the apical bud! Well, it’s done😖. I have been carefully studying each tree and there is one ( btw, they are all in pots) that has 4 new shoots coming from under the soil and right next to the main stem. I think that these 4 should be removed and discarded, because they would not root. Is this correct? I see no tiny figs on these shoots, just lush growth. Again, thank you for sharing your experience and expertise with us all.

[@jonathancox9501]

what a great vid......i have always tended to try to keep branches even and at the same height and now i know why !.....great info in this vid but i propagate the cuttings a little different.....i put them in glass bottles of water (which i change every 2 days) and wait until they form dots and roots.....then i sprinkle hormone powder on em and put them in pots then.....works well....picked up some good info from this vid....i have 15 fig trees in 35 litre pots and winter is not far away.......so i am well prepared for that now....THX.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Thanks for watching! Glad it was helpful.

[@MsJuliah1]

Wow! You’re a very good and thorough teacher! I learned so much!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@armindorodrigues4500]

Amazing information thank you

[@gapey]

Very helpful. I have several potted trees that are about this size and haven't gotten around to pruning them yet.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Glad you found it helpful. Thank you for watching.

[@katrinagarland5219]

Wonderful info, as usual. Thanks!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@eastonmurray6064]

Greetings I have ènjoy your tips one of the best I have seen

[@nubiansoaps]

Excellant explanation. Thank you soooo much.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

You're welcome! Thank you for watching.

[@hendo-dogs]

wow, this is mind blowing and explains my previous failures. Thanks!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

You're very welcome!

[@ChristinesBackyardGarden]

Great video!

[@pamdyer4644]

Great info. Learned a lot. Ty

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Thanks for watching!

[@lisal1093]

Very well explained. Thanks for sharing. 谢谢🙏。

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Thanks for watching!

[@bigjtazcad]

We have 3 very old fig trees ...the house is over a hundred years old too give you an idea... the trees are about 8ft+ around n about 8ft+ tall and last year I trimmed them back with a gas powered pole saw n they grew back n now I'm going to have to do it again. Thanks for the info for when I start propagating them..this is very helpful...thanks🙃

[@crunchystuff3365]

Absolutely excellent information!!! Thank You!!!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Glad it was helpful!

[@daphnerobert-hamilton3066]

Thank you

[@nahnisjourney1406]

Just ordered my pull saw and pruners from your Amazon store. Thank you.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Thanks for your support! You are going to love that pull saw. It is awesome, especially for the money. You won't believe how good it is for the cost.

[@TheJosuetico]

Best video I seen on pruning figs. Great basic details without overwhelming information. I leave in Greensboro, zone 7b, I guess you zone in Wilmington is the same or maybe 8. I started to collect this year with some 15 varieties. My first fig tree, I bough eight years ago and never produce. I took couple cuttings and reproduce them, after three years (2020) they produce around 40 figs each and I got hook. Now the original older tree have some signs of fruit production showing some double buts. Is very hard to fine out the figs varieties USDA growing zones most of the times. I have to go by what growers plant on their location, but mostly they do not mention their growing zone.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Thank you. I tried to keep it short and to the point, but not so short it lacks detail. I'm in a very strong 8A here in Brunswick County (the last 2 winters have been 9a by my weather station). It's interesting your tree took so long to produce. Typically they produce first season. When this happens, it is likely due to underfertilizing and lack of pruning. Figs are heavier feeders than any plant I've ever grown and require monumental amounts of fertilizer, especially when grown in containers. We're talking weekly full strength feedings of MiracleGro soluble, plus bone meal and organic granules. Pruning them back pretty heavily in the winter and heavy fertilizing in the spring and summer gets them to really produce a lot of fruits.

[@imannosseir6679]

Thanks for this exhaustive video on fig pruning. I've learned so much about figs from your channe

[@TheMillennialGardener]

I'm glad to hear that! Thanks for watching!

[@janetholmes3167]

I am learning so much from you! Thank you!!!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

You’re welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@waykeeperfarmandnerdery]

You explain things so clearly, thank you! ❤

[@TheMillennialGardener]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@naghmanasalim5247]

Very well explained.Thankyou

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Thanks for watching!

[@jtamsmom5]

Loved this video

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@gomenos54]

This man knows his stuff. An excellent and informative video.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Thank you! I appreciate you watching.

[@ISayFinn]

Excellent...Thank you!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

You are welcome!

[@angelaberni8873]

I'm so impressed that I'm subscribing. All the way from Spain💃💃💃

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Thank you so much! I appreciate it!

[@Abbasshahsso]

Excellent learned new things, Thanks.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

You're welcome!

[@antonmarino6568]

Well done

[@stevebattista6686]

Awesome video, great info...

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Thanks for watching! Glad it was helpful.

[@Alehamod]

Thank you. Great information.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Thanks for watching!

[@nadiaakoudad2317]

Thank you video very good

[@MaLiArtworks186]

You are the best fig tree teacher!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate that.

[@IMMORTALDIO]

Thank you for all the tips on this plant. Here in Great Malvern U.K we have been having a lot of fruit but not many of the fruit grow to size . I will wait for the cold weather and cut some height and width of this 7ft tree. A kind neighbour gave it to me 4-5 years ago we have had a few ripe fruits but not many . Also the birds seem to peck at the fruit at times. I will follow the pruning tips here and see if the main few stems can produce more fruit next year .

[@dracodempseyeisenhart3804]

Excellent video. Using a pull saw is a great idea, I've gotten fig cutting from reputable sellers that have damage where they were pruned and I think this contributed to some my cutting not making it.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

I believe it! I cut 80% of my cuttings with the saw. I don't want to send folks that paid hard earned money a crushed cutting. It takes an extra 3 seconds, but it's the proper way to do it in my opinion.

[@biglou4452]

Awesome stuff👍

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Thanks for watching!

[@user-ve8cz1xb4b]

Great info Thanks.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching.

[@beatrizcrossman3351]

Excellent explanation!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Thanks for watching!

[@kaydonahue]

Great explanations!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Thank you!

[@MicroSofteer]

Thanks for sharing, really very useful video for me.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@mkin62]

very helpful and useful information. thank you very much

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Thanks for watching!

[@MultiMrban]

Very clear n articulate 👍👍👍

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@tinykitchenbigflavor7142]

Thank thank thank for this informative video!!!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@ktrain4996]

Good information, I am currently trying 4 different methods of rooting, I has been almost two weeks since I started them.....keeping the fingers crossed, God willing I will get some to work.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Good luck! Usually, it takes 3-4 weeks to see roots. Sometimes, it can take as long as 5-6 weeks if conditions aren't right.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Do you prune your fig trees? If so, what form do you prefer? Let us know in the comments below!

[@forestofeden2915]

I like the V-shape goblet. Thanks again for the great cuttings! (Carr & Rimada)

[@TheMillennialGardener]

@@forestofeden2915 glad they arrived in good shape! Thank you for watching.

[@adamcnessesq]

I prune to an open center, similar to peach trees. It makes it easier to pick.

[@wandaichiriu1232]

I have both. I am still experimenting but a lot of times I let the tree dictate its shape if that makes sense. My other consideration is since I have limited space, it is whatever shape that is most space efficient where I can combine vase shaped and straight up trees to cram my 25 potted fig trees next to each other! I may consider expalliering a few in the future. MG, this is by far the most complete video on how to prune figs and how to make cuttings! Thank you for a complete, detailed and very informative video that will increase my confidence to prune my fig trees! :)

[@piustravas9921]

@@forestofeden2915 1

[@frankwang3241]

👍👍You’re best

[@joanl2057]

Thank you for explaining fertilizer. I have (Chicago Hardy?) figs in the landscape in Southern Illinois. Most years all the branches have died out. In 2 years I got the early fig in June and the later fig in September. A neighbor who I gave starts to has kept them in their garage in containers over the winter.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Do you wrap the tree?

[@ahmedfadhil5505]

Amazing video very helpful Thanks

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Thanks for watching!

[@BrightSparkIdeas]

Another brilliant video, really helpful

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@aliciasearvogel7933]

Very good info!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Glad it was helpful!

[@rickfiamengo6340]

Excellent video.. clear and informative

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Glad it was helpful!

[@RB-hl3ux]

😊 thanks

[@BUTTEWORKS]

Fantastic video, super clear and instructive. BTW, the pull saw have two sides, one is for cross cutting the other one for rip cutting. The "fine" one is the one for cross cutting which it is what you did.

[@MatthewsFabrication]

Have a video of this Fig tree growing in Spring when it wakes up? Excellent cuttings video, Thanks.

[@adamcnessesq]

Good stuff. Thanks

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching.

[@juliosdiy3206]

Nice i learn alot!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

I'm glad it was helpful. Thank you for watching!

[@bramhajung]

Very helpful video! Thank you :) Gardner here in Virginia.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!