This is the 3rd year for my fig trees.  I never get leaves on the growth from the last year.  They always start putting out new growth from the bottom.  Last year's growth is just empty branches.  What am I doing wrong?  I wrapped them last year and still no regrowth on the existing branches.  It's like starting over every year.  

Pictures from the tree and variety. My lsu gold grows like that. I would wack it down right after fruiting to make it about 3 foot high if its 6 foot high. Just make sure to leave the ( Y ) branches INTACT. THIS IS MY OPINION THANKS FOR POSTING

Frank, what zone are you in? It sounds to me like they are dieing back to the ground each year. This is common in zones 7 and lower. What about the old branches that don't give leaves, are they dry and dead looking?

I'm in Virginia, zone 7a I believe.