This was a Unkown Dark Greek cutting I started last winter that I gave to my parents in mid summer 2013. I potted it up to the 16" pot it is in now right before they came to visit me. They live in North Dakota so their season is very short. They keep it in a cold cellar of sorts during the winter, the attached garage is likely too cold at times. 
It started to wake up a little early so my dad took it out and put it in front of a glass door in the basement which is below a deck on the West side of the house(very shaded). I expected this, because their last freeze can be pretty late and I know they aren't going to shuffle it that much, plus this where mom keeps her geraniums over the winter. The problem came in when they went on a trip for the last two weeks. The tree had grown about 6-8 inches before they left, this is what they came home to.




As you can see it really stretched. I think most of this growth is garbage and just a waste, it'll likely break if there is any figs and a wind. Plus the thing will get even taller with the summers growth.

Here is what I think. I think they need to cut the main/center leader just above last years wood(about an inch of green remaining) and let that one start over from a dormant bud.
The two lower scaffolds, I think they should cut about a half inch above the first leaf, or cut just above last years growth also; seeing the leaves will likely burn and fall off anyway.
The shoot at the base, I think they could leave that one be.

So, it looks like their probably not going to get much for figs this year. Maybe a couple off of the shoot near the base.

What would you do? Ever had a scenario like this and after the summer was over say to yourself next time I would do....?

Calvin, IMO, you should pinch the tip ONLY, the part that's sharp and closed. It is a minimal stress to the tree or none.
And, please, put the tree under sun, looks like it's Sun starving.
Even if you see leaves drying because of the sun, don't worry just keep it under sun.
After few weeks you will notice new branch growth starting almost at every leaf site.
Keep the hight.
Good luck.

Please tie it to a bamboo pole to prevent from breaking when there is strong wind

Norhayati

I have to agree with both of these answers. Tie it to a stake and pinch the terminal bud. You will be amazed how fast it will branch out. If you cut it in half now you may cause yourself more problems.

Keep all new branches to 5 or 7 leaves and pinch their buds as well.

I would just put it in the sun and let it grow however it wants

Hi,
The same for me, as the season is short there, just let that thing grow. Fertilize and water it regularly - and as soon as they can (according to outside temps) , they should put that thing in full sun .
You'll cut at the end of the season - this sounds better to me . But that's just my 2 cents :) .
As for the root sucker, tell them they have two trees now :) and they need a new pot for the small one.
Is that strain adapted to pot culture ? How big does that strain usually get ?

I am pretty much with the other guys.

This is what i would do:

- pinch the tips

-tie it with bamboo sticks

-put it in full sun so the lush groth can harden off, but try to avoid winds

-IMO because of the long new groth, i wouldn't fertilize for about 2 month

Aloha, Calvin!  I'd let it grow as much as possible. It's not unmanageable yet, and when it comes to that point, take cuttings and share ;).  Oh, and yes, provide some sort of support like Norhayati suggested.

Nate

Thanks for all the input so far. That(what you all are saying) is the other thing I was thinking, let it go this year and prune it hard after it goes dormant. That first internode length on the main trunk being about a foot long really freaks me out. It looks like dad is growing bamboo! He's 73, I wanted him to have a tree that would be compact and easy to manage..LOL.

I have the sister to that tree which was a little bigger. I started shuffling it in the begging of April, it's internode lengths are about 2 inches. It's very stout and healthy, I'm looking forward to trying it for the first time this year.

Calvin,
  In addition to all the advice given above, I could also suggest a tree swap:  give your dad the tree you show in post #9 and take back the tree you show in post #1.  (This only makes sense if you're going to see him in the near future...since Colorado and North Dakota aren't exactly close...)
Cheers,
Jim

I'm afraid I would end up with two bamboo fig trees!
Until my parents taste real deal fresh figs, the tree is going to get so so care.

    Calvin...another way to shorten up on that tree is to air-layer it.  I would put the air-layer devise just below the center stalk on the part that is already hardened off(brown wood)...this will make two nice trees for your parents...If the air-layer is started sometime in June, it should be ready in about two months with a nice root ball, ready to be clipped and potted up...good luck.