How do I prune a fig tree?

I planted a fig tree this spring and do not know the correct way to prune it. It is about 4 1/2 feet tall. Now it is covered with leaves for protection.

Answer

Here is  some information from the New York Botanical Garden Plant Information Service that will answer your question:

The best time to prune a fig fruit tree is when all the leaves fall and the tree is dormant. In dormancy the tree will not bleed sap making the chore easier. Prune in late winter or early spring, although damaged, broken, or diseased branches can be removed at anytime. Use a sharp sterile tool, to make clean pruning cuts, leaving no stubs behind. Cut on an oblique angle above the branch bark collar (the tree collar area is resistant to disease and promotes healing). Do not head back the tree, but rather make thinning cuts to secondary limbs back no more than a third or a quarter of the plant. By pruning, we enable the tree, not disable.

I'm sure this will be helpful.

 

 

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  • Last Updated Jan 14, 2021
  • Views 147
  • Answered By Aska Gardener

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