Topics

yearling figs

I planted 4 Chicago Hardy that I rooted this year.  I'd like some advise on pruning to shape them to be good future producers and also make them easy to winterize.  I'm in central Ohio.  pdf Fig pic.pdf     


Be warned that it's very risky putting new cuttings in the ground in their 1st year.  But that's done.

This year, I would pinch any branches, trying to create a strong central leader.  Then for winter, I'd try (!) to gradually bend the tree to the ground without breaking it.  Basically, I'm worried that a 4' upright baby tree would die, so I'm hoping that the bending will help the trees benefit from the relative warmth of the ground.  

  • Avatar / Picture
  • Sas

There's no need to prune such young trees, winter will do it for you. I hope that you planted them deep enough. Cover with lots of mulch before winterizing.
Since your trees are very young and not thick enough, there's a very high chance that they will die to ground level in winter. I'm in zone 8b and still get lots of damage during winter.

mrformark: If you care about these young trees, my advice to you would be to dig them out now, repot them (they will still develop some roots this summer) and store them for the winter as recommended by northern growers. That's seems to be work but at least you will have your trees in the spring.

Cheers,
LaFigue

Reply Cancel
Subscribe Share Cancel