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Encanto Farms Nursery > Topics > Too much too soon? First Root Pruning attempt
 
 


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figlegacy

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Posted Reply with quote  #1 
Hey Everybody, 

This fig tree below is 2 years old so I root pruned for the first time a few days ago.  I basically cut an inch back and cut all the exterior roots, and cut the bottom off. 

I have two more trees I'd like to do this to, but don't know if I went about it right.  Is it too late in the season to prune and did I cut too much?

The tree is still alive, but the jury is out as to whether it will take to the re/up-potting. 

   Figs Prune.jpg 
coop951

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Posted Reply with quote  #2 
Hi
I would recommend against root pruning your other trees at this time. I do lots of root pruning but only when the tree is dormant. And when I do root prune, I cut even more aggressively than you have. That's what I do.
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jdsfrance

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Posted Reply with quote  #3 
Hi,
That was a light root prune.
So you can do it even now - provided you're not over 30°C/86°F already.

Doing it now or at the end of the season depends on the conditions of the trees.
If they are performing poorly - like last year already... Go ahead.
If they can wait a year, then wait for the end  of the season.
You could go another path, that would be to pot them up for this year. Then at the end of the season root prune and to fit to the actual pot (downsizing at the end of the season) .
That choice belongs to you, and decision should be based on the actual condition of the trees.

Wise logic has it that heavy root pruning now is a bit late for this season .

Good luck !
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FiggyFrank

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Posted Reply with quote  #4 
I agree that it was too late to root prune.  That new growth may eventually drop its leaves.  If you want to get real aggressive, I would prune about half of the branches to balance with the root ball.  It will recover in a few weeks with stronger growth than what you have now.  Just my opinion.
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figlegacy

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Posted Reply with quote  #5 
Good advice, seems the consensus is that I should wait for my other two trees. 

I think what I'll do is up-pot the two remaining trees for now.  Then when they go dormant, root prune all the way back to where I should have pruned this year last dormant season. 

My main concern is that the roots don't get too big and choke out the tree.  
BronxFigs

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Posted Reply with quote  #6 
With no other information given, e.g. climate zone, size of the original pots, etc....but I would throw those fig trees into at least a 5-gallon bucket, and forget the root-pruning until next spring.  Cut back/air layer some of the long, whips, and root them.  Up-pot in lieu of root-pruning when trees are actively growing.

The trees should do great....depending on your climate/culture.

Frank
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