that IS the question!  I looked at the tree today and all the leaves are off - some just dried up.  I knocked off the last 10 figs - small hard and never to ripen.

The temps early in the week went into the upper 20's brrrrrrrrr - that sent everything to the graveyard or bed.  The tree looks good!!  The buds are visible and green.  The temps are again going down to the 20's and 30's for a few nights and up to the 60's during the days.  Christmas week in the 20-30 range at night, 40-50 during the day with a chance of snow on Christmas.

Should I prune now (this week) and get the cuttings out to fulfill the trade agreements or should I wait?  I want to do it this week since I have off.  When we get back after the holiday break, we are in for a very busy January, not sure how busy Feb and March will be.

Prune Prune Prune !!!!!!!!!

JoAnn,
I would recommend pruning now, before winter damage. But keep in mind there may be dieback of the pruned branch. Leave an additional 2 nodes on the tree for the dieback.

some people prune in fall and some people prune in spring. i have no clue what the difference is. i noticed that spring cuttings right before waking up makes great cuttings. then again, fall cuttings i got are rooting very very well also. one thing i know is i have no clue how to prune trees and all my trees look amazingly ugly. i need to prune less so i can see what the overall shape will be then do selective pruning, but i keep promosing cuttings to member and go prune crazy.

If all the leaves are off and you still have healthy looking nodes, I would prune and save/give away the cuttings.  Prune for shape but make sure you leave more than enough nodes on the branch for next year.  Also, put a drop of school glue or wax on the ends to seal.  Not sure it helps but I figure it can't hurt.

Here in cold zone 1 prunes when sap is not running not to damage limb ends .

Pete, where winter is mild, pruning takes place in late winter when things are finally dormant. In colder places, where winter damage from frost/freeze is a distinct possibility, and cuttings are wanted, then pruning takes place before the damage can occur (the fall). Also, pruning before winter protection make the tree smaller, and thus easier to protect. There is nothing magic about the time - just different strategies for different climates.

Jon,

Thanks for that!  I was wondering the same thing.  Your climate is about as mild as climates can be.  Mine is crazy extremes!  Super hot in summer, and almost freezing in winter!  Winds that are normally around 50-70 mph.  Thus the massive windmill farms you see when you drive into Palm Springs on I10.  They do take advantage of the winds for generating electricity.

I owe a lot of trades to a lot of members that have already sent me their cuttings.  But my VdB still has tons of figs and leaves, although the older leaves are dropping.  Many one gallon figs of fabulous kinds that I have never tasted.  They all have leaves and are growing.  I'm thinking Jan/Feb to prune.  I may leave a couple nodes on my newbie trees, and send the growing tip to members that I owe greatly!

Suzi

thanks jon :)