I discovered this forum because of the NYT article. Happy day! I have a wonderful fig tree here in Arlington, VA, that was as tall as my garage (which has a storage loft!) and happily basking in its protected south-facing corner. This winter, of course, did its number on it and it was bare branches until May-June. Now sprouting a very healthy crop of new sprouts at the base. I have talked to the master gardeners here at our local farmers market (they have a stand) and they advised pruning it way back and letting the strongest branches flourish. OK - but what I did not ask and am asking this forum now, is how to protect the tree once I have cut it way back - I am afraid that invasive pests may burrow in to the new-cut surfaces. Is there something I should paint on the cuts to prevent this? I have some pretty thick branches (as thick around as my arm) and I was told to cut, cut, cut. Any advice would be welcome. I have not yet trimmed the tree.