I am completing my pruning rounds with my fruit trees and I always come to the figs and have a few questions so this year I thought I would ask for help :-)

So if I am satisfied with the height of my fig trees and want to promote more horizontal growth what should I be doing?

     a) pinch the tops of the vertical growing branches (so the new growth bud does not grow UP in spring)
     b) OR do I prune the tops to encourage growth buds to come out on the sides. 
          1) If I am pruning, do I head or relead looking for a node (where I am assuming new growth will come out of).

or c) head the fig anywhere I want cause figs grow back no matter how you cut them :-)

Thanks!

I found this article - so its saying to make thinning cuts to all vertical branches, (sort of like watersprouts).

I will lose some of my crop either way, but it makes sense for training horizontal when you already have a horizontal branch.

http://www.walterreeves.com/food-gardening/fig-pruning-a-large-one/

The thing is this only works for those already established horizontal branches. 

For main branches coming up from the trunk, my questions still apply on how best to encourage horizontal growth. This article doesn't apply in those cases, I can't thin those back to the trunk lol or all I will have is a whip.

Thanks!

Not an expert but training the branches would probably be the answer. Please note attached edited diagram of "Japanese espalier" pruning method. You can find more info by doing a search. Note: Step 2 below and attached link.



Refer to the PDF file, the last Link in the attached post. There are several diagrams for pruning and training for horizontal growth.
http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/show_single_post?pid=1275668590&postcount=6

I think this is a good idea.  I could train the current branches down or espalier against the wall in the picture as well.

I could also train the branches down with something like spacers or weights like "train a tree".

When you are pruning for a bush type effect, then always prune back to an outward facing bud.  This will accomplish two things.  It will keep the center of the tree open for more sunlight and air circualtion(the goblet shape), and secondly it will promote outward, bush type growth for next season.  Good luck with your pruning.

Vince I know basic pruning. i am asking for specific Fig advice for specific shaping. So I guess your advice is to prune a fig as per anything else with thinning or releadering cuts (as per usual with nodes facing out so not to grow inwards) with no special considerations. Thanks!

Most trees want to grow vertically, so pruning down is important.

If you prune to the appropriate bud, you can influence whether the tree grown more vertically or more horizontally. Top buds will tend to grow up and bottom buds will tend to grow more horizontal and then curve up.