How to prune a fig tree

TAG: Gardening Advice by Christina

Fig trees are a big magnet for birds, as the large leaves give them somewhere to hide.  I added a fig tree to my garden around 5 years ago and it has managed to fruit every year with no help from me.  But it's time to give it a prune as some of the branches are starting to cross and the big leaves will hinder airflow and sun getting to the fruits.

You can keep your fig tree nice and productive by following these simple steps for winter pruning.

How to prune a fig tree:

Plant your fig tree in a sunny, sheltered spot and they will produce a lush, leafy canopy along with tasty figs you can eat.

As fig trees are prone to bleeding, they should be pruned in winter to stop sap bleeding from the wounds.  Pruning in spring can cause the fig tree to bleed sap profusely which will weaken the plant and in extreme cases may kill it.

Create an open framework

When pruning a fig tree, aim for a nice open framework and control its size.  Cut away several of the oldest, woodiest stems down to the base.  Having a nice open framework allows the fruit to get as much sun and air as possible giving you a better crop.

Use a saw on thick old stems from the centre of your fig tree.

Cut disrupting stems

When training your fig to fan out, prune out any stems that disrupt the framework, including straight stems radiating out from the short trunk.  You want to create a fan shape, anything crossing branches within the main frame should be removed.

Prune thick stems

Cut thick stems (3cm or more across) with a pruning saw, which cuts on the pull stroke.

And that's it!

Shop Wildflower Seeds

Here are some more articles about gardening:

Nothing in Basket!