Hi - we planted 6 fig trees in the ground this spring, purchased from various nurseries. All were in pots ranging from about 3-5 gallons. Many of them are starting to grow fruit. We had heard that in the first few years in the ground, you should pick the fruit as soon as it forms in order to encourage the plant to focus on establishing a really good root system...is that true? Will it make a big difference in the long run? 

We really care about the plants' long term success, but it's so hard to pass up the chance to have figs sooner rather than later! :) 

Thanks,
Karen

With most varieties it is true. When there are figs on the tree it focuses on ripening those fruits rather than building a root system. Since you did put them in ground it is really important for them to establish a root system. By the 3rd year you will have loads of figs.

I know of no data to support the removal of early figs other than probably being a good idea on cuttings.  I do not remove figs from my young trees.  Does it help root development to remove them, I don't know, does it impede root development, I don't know.  It would be interesting to see some kind of data to support this action.

If they were already growing well in 3-5 gal pots and have a pretty good root ball going, I see no reason to remove the figs.