Fig trees thrive well even without periodic topiary. If never cut back, a fig tree can reach a height of three to ten meters and shade the entire garden thanks to its sprawling crown. To ensure that the fruit receives plenty of sunlight and ripens, it is recommended that trees with large leaves be pruned regularly. If the fig becomes too big for the home garden, it can tolerate a vigorous pruning and will then sprout again willingly.
When and how should you cut a fig?
Figs should be cut in February and March, before budding. It is important to first remove damaged branches, take out thick shoots near the ground and then prune thinner branches and twigs. Two-year-old shoots that bear fruit should be retained if possible.
Prune figs carefully
In the first few years, the fig grows bushy with numerous branches close to the ground. The aim of pruning is to build a loose and wide-branched tree framework with a beautiful crown. However, do not prune the young tree too heavily, as pruning promotes the formation of shoots and at the same time suppresses the formation of fruit.
When should the fig be cut?
The best time for pruning is February and March, when the fig has not yet sprouted. Avoid pruning in the fall, as the cold temperatures of the winter months will cause the branches to freeze back further and cause serious damage to the fig.
Cutting order
Plan the pruning carefully and proceed as follows:
- Always work from the bottom up.
- Always use clean and sharp tools.
- First remove thick shoots close to the ground that would hinder their growth with pruning shears or a saw.
- Apply larger wounds with a suitable product.
- Then prune thinner branches and twigs.
- If possible, spare two-year-old shoots as they will bear fruit the following year.
The spring cut
First remove all branches damaged by frost. Usually only the one to two-year-old branches are affected by cold damage, while the old and mature branches are little damaged by subzero temperatures. When pruning, always leave a bud or branch standing, as new shoots will form from these in the coming summer.
Pruning an older fig tree
Five to six year old figs tend to go bald on the inside. These trees cope well with vigorous pruning that stimulates new growth. In the year after the rejuvenation pruning, however, in many cases you have to forego the fig harvest, as the fig only grows on two-year-old wood.
Cutting pot figs
Container plants are completely cut-tolerant and you can easily cut them back to achieve a beautiful structure of the plant. Be careful not to cut out too many two-year-old branches. So you can expect a good fruit yield from figs grown in the house, winter garden or on the balcony.
Pruning espalier fruit
Figs thrive when planted on a trellis in front of a sunny house wall. The wires should start about 45 centimeters high and run 25 centimeters apart..
Pruning in the first year after planting:
Prune the main shoot of the fig and two side shoots to about 50 centimeters long. Cut off all other shoots completely. While the main shoot is growing vertically up the trellis, tie the two side shoots to the wires of the trellis at an acute angle to the main shoot.
Second year follow-up cut
Next spring, select four strong shoots from each of the two side shoots. One shoot should be at the end of the branch, another on the bottom and two shoots on the top. Prune or break out any other eyes and direct the remaining shoots in the desired direction along the trellis. Remember that fig leaves can grow very large and leave enough space between the leading branches so that plenty of sunlight reaches the fruit.
The cut in the third year
Cut back the leading branches a little. The cut is made over a bud pointing in the direction of growth. When pruning, leave at least sixty centimeters of last year's wood left so that enough new shoots and fruits form in the summer. Break out unwanted eyes regularly during the summer months.
Caring for the trellis
After four years, the basic trellis is built evenly and you only have to cut the fig back in early spring. As with free-standing fig trees, first remove branches damaged by frost. All shoots that grow towards or away from the wall are completely removed. Prune new shoots in the desired direction of growth to one eye. Tie new shoots to the trellis.
Make sure that the espalier fig does not become too dense so that sunlight reaches all of the fruits equally. During the summer, it is therefore advisable to carry out additional pruning on very vigorously growing fig trees by cutting new shoots back to five leaves.
Tips & Tricks
Before pruning, look at the fig and plan it carefully. Mark all the branches you want to prune. In this way you avoid incorrect cuts and do not unintentionally shorten fruit-bearing, two-year-old branches.