To prune a fig tree for the first time, trim away about half of the tree after its first winter outside so it can focus on developing strong roots. Try not to prune your outdoor tree in early summer, as this can induce an off-season growth spurt and leave your plant more vulnerable to frost. The last step in how to prune fig trees is to cut back the main branches by one-third to one-quarter. My Dad never trimmed it and wouldn't let me trim it. Do not To do in December. If you are pruning a tall fig tree, the process and steps are the same, but the difference is, you will likely need a ladder and larger pruning equipment like a pruning saw. However, if you want to maximize the number of figs and their size, you should prune a young tree soon after transplanting and twice more during each of the subsequent dormant seasons. 2. You don't want any limbs on the ground. Because pruning is like making many small wounds on a plant, cut paste will help your tree heal and protect it from diseases and pests while it recovers. This will be a severe pruning: You will reduce its size by about one half. It can help prevent trees becoming overgrown, and is also effective for pyramid plums. Attach one end of the tie to the branch tip, and the other end to a stake or the trunk. You can also choose to prune half of the branches one summer and the remainder the following summer. Then, after the second winter, cut everything except 5 or 6 strong new branches for the fruit to grow on. Keep your fig tree productive by following our simple steps to giving it a winter prune, below. Trees also might need to be pruned and therefore reduced in size if they have dead, diseased, crossing or torn branches. Before you decide How to Prune Fig Trees, it is first important to understand some of the most common fig trees.. Figs can either be grown on trees or bushes. ... overgrown branch ends, ... "Will a Fig Tree Still Grow if I Severely Prune It?" Ties are left in place until the branch stays naturally at the new position, usually the following spring. Then decide on the height you want and cut it back to there. Replace the taller plants with very low growing shrubs or perennials. 2nd Dormant Season In the next late winter, select 4 to 6 of the strongest branches growing from the main trunk (s) to be your fruiting wood / main branches and prune away the rest. The answer to that question is simple, prune your plum tree when it's growing strongly and for established plum trees early June to mid July is the best time. A few tips will help you make the most of this job. Prune potted figs after fruit ripens or in early spring. It is usually best to try and keep tree (and shrub) growth under control with regular pruning, but this is not always practical, especially if you inherit overgrown trees and shrubs in a new garden. Have a read of this info on figs from the … Simply follow Monty Don’s tips as he refines the shape of a fig tree growing against a wall, so it fans out but doesn’t outgrow its space. Create an open framework When pruning a fig tree, aim to give the fig … Take note of the thickness of the limbs and branches so that you can determine which tools to use. The focus in pruning your fig tree at this point is on training it to remain a compact plant. Prune indoor ficuses in summer, autumn, or early spring. You can buy cut paste online or … Removing leafy growth helps to restrict the vigour of trained fruit forms. The first time that you prune your fig tree will be during its first winter (period of dormancy). Anytime from late summer to early spring is ideal, as this is right before and after your ficus's dormant season. Above ground, this will also stimulate growth of new branches making your tree bushier. After a fig tree is established, the best time when to prune a fig tree will be in the dormant (winter) season when the tree is not growing. Pruning fig trees the right way can help you to improve your fig crop. This step in fig tree pruning helps the tree put more energy towards the fruit that will be produced next year, which makes for larger and sweeter fruit.