Ficus pumila maintenance

Question

We live in Tallahassee, Florida and have Ficus pumila covering our masonry wall. The wall is 10-12 foot high and 2 foot thick. The plant covers both sides and the top. The plant is more than 5 years old and in good heath. We experience very cold temperatures in January, February, and sometimes early March. Cold to us is 20 or less degrees Fahrenheit. July and August are typically our hottest at more than 100 F for weeks on end. Outside of January, February, June, July, and August, we typically experience moderately warm weather (70-90).

Question: We have a landscape person maintain the plant but aren’t certain all is well with the frequency or approach to the pruning. Can you tell me what would be a good annual plan for pruning (i.e. 1,2, or 3 times per year) and some idea as to how much plant should be pruned?

Answer 1

Ficus pumila can take a pretty heavy pruning. Especially once it gets to be several years old like yours, heavy pruning is recommended to keep the growth young and less woody, and just to keep the fast-spreading plant in check. You can cut it back seriously at least once per year, even more if you'd like.
You can read more about Ficus pumila here: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/creeping-fig/creeping-fig-vine.htm