One of the most common questions we get asked is how to prune a fig tree. Fig trees are actually very easy to prune, and with a few simple tips, you can have a healthy and productive fig tree.
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Pruning a Fig Tree
Pruning a fig tree is important to maintain the health of the tree and keep it producing fruit. You should prune your fig tree each year, in late winter or early spring. Pruning helps to encourage new growth and prevent disease. Use sharp, clean pruning shears to make clean cuts.
When to prune
Pruning a fig tree is best done in late winter or early spring, before the tree begins to produce new leaves and flowers. You can prune any time of year, but pruning in late winter or early spring will minimize the risk of damaging new growth.
The frequency of pruning depends on the age and health of your fig tree. Younger trees (up to 3 years old) should be pruned every year to encourage strong growth. Older trees (4 years and up) can be pruned every other year or as needed to maintain size and shape.
How to prune
When to prune: Late winter or early spring, before growth begins.
How to prune: Remove any dead, diseased or broken branches with pruning shears. Cut main branches back by one-quarter to one-third their length. Cut secondary branches back by one-half to two-thirds their length.
Figs produce fruit on new growth, so don’t be afraid to cut branches back severely. It may seem like you’re doing damage, but you’re actually promoting a healthier, more productive tree.
Fertilizing a Fig Tree
The process of pruning a fig tree is important to the health and production of the tree. It is generally recommended to prune fig trees in the late winter or early spring, before the tree begins to produce new growth.
When to fertilize
Fertilize your fig tree when new growth begins to appear in the spring. Use a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10, or an organic fertilizer such as manure or compost. Apply the fertilizer evenly around the tree, and then water it in well. You should only need to fertilize your fig tree once a year.
Prune your fig tree in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Cut out any dead or diseased wood, and any branches that are rubbing together. Also remove any suckers (new shoots) that are growing from the base of the trunk.
What fertilizer to use
There are a couple different ways to go about fertilizing a fig tree. The first is to use a general purpose fertilizer that is high in nitrogen. This will help the tree to leaf out and produce new growth. The second way is to use a fertilizer that is specifically designed for fig trees. This type of fertilizer will provide the nutrients that the tree needs in order to produce fruit.
It is best to fertilize a fig tree in the spring, before it begins to produce new growth. If you fertilize too late in the season, the tree may not have time to properly absorb the nutrients and they will be lost.