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When should you prune a fig tree?

4 min read

Asked by: Dee Porter

After a fig tree is established, the best time when to prune a fig tree will be in the dormant (winter) season when the tree is not growing. Begin your fig tree pruning by removing any branches that are not growing out from your selected fruiting wood, as well as any dead or diseased wood.

How do you prune a fig tree?


So the best time to prune your fig trees is during dormant season we're now in the second week of January here in Northern California. As you can see the tree has lost all of its leaves.

How do you prune a leggy fig tree?

How to Prune a Fig Tree

  1. Prune your fig tree in its very first year.
  2. Prune your tree again during the tree’s first winter.
  3. Continue pruning your tree every following year.
  4. Select certain branches to be fruiting branches.
  5. Use clean pruning shears.
  6. Prune the secondary branches.
  7. Prune the suckers.

When should I prune my fig tree UK?

There are three main “prunings” your fig will need – in March, May and June. Put them in the diary! February: (delay until March in the North) cut out rubbing, crossing and damaged branches as well as any that get in the way of your “goblet” head.

How far back can you cut a fig tree?

When a fig tree is first planted, you should trim a fig tree back by about half. This will allow the tree to focus on developing its roots and becoming well established. It will also help the fig tree grow side branches for a bushier tree.

How do you prepare a fig tree for winter?

1. Prepare, Wrap and Cover

  1. As with figs in containers, after a hard frost remove all remaining leaves and unripe figs.
  2. Protect the base of the plant by mulching 6”-12” with leaves, straw, or other organic materials.
  3. Prune back the branches to a manageable height. …
  4. Tie or bungee the branches.

Do figs fruit on new or old wood?

1 year old wood

Figs produce fruit on 1 year old wood and the upcoming season’s growth. They require little specialized pruning; head back to keep tree to manageable size and thin to keep aerated.

Can I prune a fig tree in summer?

Figs are very forgivable plants, so even if pruned in the summer or fall, most fig trees will recover. So, while you can prune fig trees in summer, and light pruning in early summer is sometimes encouraged, pruning (especially heavy pruning) is best left for dormant months.

Are coffee grounds good for fig trees?

Fig trees like acidic soil so coffee grounds can be a good addition if you have alkaline soils or want to lower the pH level of your garden soil. Adding coffee grounds near the root zone will help retain moisture and create soft areas for new roots to penetrate!

Should I remove last years figs?

If you leave your tree unpruned and it’s growing in soil, you’ll soon find all your figs are out of reach, so you need to prune the tree to keep it at a manageable size. This must be done by February; any later, and the sap will start to rise and it will be a messy job.

How do you look after fig trees UK?

Figs thrive in any soil with good drainage, they’ll be happiest in free-draining and moisture-retentive soil in the sunniest position possible. A warm and bright location is vital because the fruit needs warm sun to ripen. Tradition has it that a fig tree should be planted in a Gladstone bag.

What is the best fertilizer for a fig tree?

A general-purpose fertilizer with an analysis of 8-8-8 or 10-10-10 is fine. It’s easy to overdo it with stronger fertilizers. It’s best to provide fertilizer for fig trees only when the tree shows symptoms of slow growth or pale leaves, but there are a couple of exceptions where fig trees need regular feedings.

How do I get my fig tree to produce more fruit?

Pruning your trees in the winter, while they’re dormant, greatly increase the amount of fruit they will yield. With a clean and sterile pair of loppers or hand pruners, remove any dead or broken branches. Afterwards, clear a few branches away from the center of the tree.

How do I get my fig tree to bear more fruit?

Work is to put your fig tree in the right amount of light. And allow it to continue to grow encourage it to continue to grow because as the tree grows right i said as it grows.