Hi all.

My inground Celestes are killing nearby grass because some of the roots have spread along the surface if the soil.

Are fig trees pretty tolerant of root pruning? There's one decent size trunk that had a 5/8" root exposed that I cut about 2" from the base on the tree to the right. It seems like there's plenty of roots holding it into the ground. This was a decent sized root that established sideways that I cut (sort of like a branch). Now I'm worried that I cut too close even though that particular trunk has many other roots the entire width of it (I checked) and strength hasn't been compromised in the ground.

There were also quite a few thin roots that I removed and small enough not to affect the tree. My concern is with the one larger branch-like root that I cut near the base.

I hope didn't kill that part of the tree. How long will it take for that particular trunk to show any damage to new growth if the root is compromised? I trimmed it yesterday and applied a solution of SUPERTHRIVE to help it along. I just took a look at the trees and the new growth on that trunk still seems fine although it probably is too soon for any deterioration to show.

They are both Celeste but the one to the left doesn't have as many exposed roots as the one on the right. Any thoughts?

A month ago I root pruned the root ball of my 2 figs from a basketball sized mass to orange sized. They are thriving and starting to put out figlets. Just 3 weeks later I can already feel feel thick roots nearly a foot from the base. Moral of the story is, hack off as much as you want.

This makes me feel better. I felt okay doing it because fig roots are invasive and plentiful. I figured there's more than enough to compensate. I checked underneath that trunk before cutting and it's all attached and connected deep in the ground. This finger sized root was more like a branch that stuck out sideways from the trunk at ground level.

They are very tolerant of root pruning. You can trace out the circumference of the mulch with a spade each fall. That will encourage deep roots instead of surface roots. Only do it while the tree is dormant, however.