The only exceptions to the above rules are cases where you have a fairly small or weak tree and are thinking of transplanting it. In this case it is preferable to wait until the end of the first winter dormancy period to carry out the first actual pruning. Otherwise you risk shaking the tree.
Size of an adult fig
Once you’ve done the heavy lifting of transplanting and caring for your young tree, it’s time to figure out how to prune a mature fig tree . This process is made easier because you have already established your “fruiting wood,” allowing you to know where the excess growth is located.
Remove suckers – “Suckers” are what gardeners call branches that start to grow from your fig tree too far toward the base or even from the roots. These suckers may look like your tree, but they only absorb some of the energy your tree could use to produce delicious figs.
Trim dead wood: Parts of your tree that appear dead or dying, or at worst, appear diseased, should be removed. If one of the branches you have chosen as ” fruiting wood ” deteriorates, do not hesitate to select a new branch or even a new shoot (you will probably have to wait until well into winter for this to happen) and mentally designate it as new “fruiting wood”. ”.
Cutting branches that are not from “fruit wood” – Any branch that is not from “fruit wood” is a waste of energy. It’s time to prune them.
How to prune a potted fig tree?
If you’re wondering how to prune a potted fig tree, don’t worry. You don’t need to put in much effort when the tree is in this stage. Fig trees grow well in pots because the container serves to confine the roots in a beneficial way.
As long as you have even, moist, fertile, well-drained soil, you should be fine.
Things to remember to prune your fig tree correctly
Fig trees are hardy: Because they produce fruit on their new growth, you can prune them heavily and even make mistakes when pruning. It’s almost certain that your tree won’t mind.
Prune at transplant time: As soon as you transplant your fig tree from the pot to the ground, prune it heavily, unless it is small or diseased.
Always prune in winter – the ideal time to prune your tree is when it is dormant.
Choose and maintain your “fruit wood”: Select six to eight low, well-spaced branches and remove virtually anything that doesn’t grow from these branches. Your tree will then focus on producing tasty figs on these few branches.
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