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Can a Black Mission tree be kept small?

Say, 10 feet tall, or less?

Thanks,

gary

Sure!  You just need to prune it!

Suzi

Prune it

Sometime the answer is just simple...

I asked because some trees don't take well to heavy pruning.

Waiting/Gary....

Make sure you prune at the correct time of the year.  This is usually done just before buds start swelling, in very early Spring.  Fig trees are very easy to prune, and if the tree is healthy and vigorous, you'll have little to worry about.

Most growers will trim off all dead wood, and then prune back to establish a basic framework of branches, and build from there.  Once the shape of the plant has been established it's very easy to control all new growth.  Just let new growth develop where YOU want new branches, and rub out all buds that sprout in the wrong positions.  This is an ongoing process, and we all learn to deal with sprout selection.  After a few seasons of controlled growth you will have a masterpiece!  One caveat:  Major pruning should be done with the correct pruning saws, and don't leave any stubs. 

Also, search the fig forums for pinching techniques, and when used in conjunction with pruning techniques, you will not only have a shapely tree, but also a productive tree that will ripen figs earlier in the season.

Good luck.

Yes, Pruning. Do a web search for "fig espalier" or Japanese fig espalier", there will be lots of images. Attached are diagrams showing 2 espalier forms. These are found on the Encanto Farm Nursery website. The length of the main trunk (stage 1) and scaffold limbs (stages 2 and 3) can be varied for the final tree size. Also note attached website and PDF document.

Good Luck.

Website With links and detailed instruction:

http://www.hawaiifruit.net/Figs-Japan.htm

http://stevec.smugmug.com/Other/Kadota-Fig-Tree/18683631_LsJ2xq/1444845516_bJtssZw#!i=1698913823&k=4MCfwd3

Thanks for the information, links, and pics.

Guess I'll give it a try.

gary

Fig trees grow like weeds. You can cut them down to the ground and they grow back. They can freeze to the ground and grow back. They are great for bonzai, even. No worries there...

By pinching you will be able to control it's height each year. Do a search on pinching, and you will see how this is done. If by chance you can not find, let me know and I'll find it.


luke

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