Fig Tree Pruning

Question

Last April I got a fig tree that was just a four-foot stick. I was told to trim it to about 6″ to get new growth. I did and I got two stalks about five-feet tall and about 12 figs (too small to eat). Should I trim the old stalks again this year to encourage new growth?

Answer 1

Fig trees should be pruned when the tree is dormant and not growing. You can cut down your fig as you proposed and it should grow again. I did some research and found this great article (with before and after photos) where a homeowner severely cut down their figs and they grew back bushier than ever.

Here is the article about the homeowner who cut down their figs:
https://redgardenclogs.wordpress.com/2011/06/22/fig-trees-before-during-and-after-being-pruned/

And, while you are at it, I would recommend trying to propagate your fig and make some new trees! Here is a link with guidelines on how to do that:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/figs/fig-propagation.htm

For more information on pruning fig trees, please visit the link below:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/figs/pruning-fig-trees.htm