Fig Tree Pruning

Question

Hello, I have a Chicago Hardy fig tree in a container that has grown very large since I got it three years ago. I am an enthusiastic novice to gardening (with the emphasis on novice). As you can see from the photo, there are a lot of big branches all protruding from the base of the plant. I need to keep it in a pot for climate (garage/sunroom wintering) and squirrel/chipmunk reasons. How would you advise I prune this tree so the canopy isn’t so huge at the bottom and the main trunk isn’t so bare? I recently learned online that I should trim the root and repot this tree but all these long branches with a very bare middle just seem wrong:) I would be very grateful for any recommendations. Thank you!

Answer 1

You have quite a bit of leniency when it comes to pruning Figs, fortunately.

They grow well as sprawling trees, but this is not suitable for container life. This article will go over how, and when, to prune these trees:

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