I stumbled on this post, and found his propagation method very interesting.

http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/fig/msg1101440816156.html

It got me thinking if it would be possible to air layer a good sized ground tree, as the following year it would just bush out again, I guess you would need good roots in the air layer.

luke

Hi Luke, nothing too unusual about air-layering. We use this method frequently here in the US. If you use the search feature on this forum, there are many posts about air-layering. Very easy to do with great results. I have recently removed three already this spring.

That is quite interesting.

I new to the "fig cult" lol. This was my first time seeing that many on one stem for air layering.

I have a few lanky fig trees with nice tips so I air layer them by putting a slit down the side of a 1 gallon pot, filled with moist perlite/potting mix. I tape it closed and wrap a bag around it. This one is about 2 weeks old. I'll check it in the middle of June and determine if its time to remove the air layer.

Air layering is one 'sure-way' (more labor) for fig propagation.
My understanding is that the TOP leaves produce [most of] the energy to initiate roots below.

Was this stem-multiple-air-layering method 'girdled' - I guess not?

This link might be helpful for larger air layer of in ground tree .

http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/Can-I-air-layer-main-trunk-5238353

John