Fig tree thats getting too tall

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aaron8888

Registered:1244683182
Posts: 69

Posted 1381501437	Reply with quote #1

Does it help to cut a fig tree that has gotten too big all the way back to the ground and let it start over? Or will it just shoot right back up to the same size because the root system is so big? My first fig tree I ever got (had about 12 years now) is between 12 and 15 feet tall and more and more figs seem to be up at the top I would rather them be within arms reach so I was thinking about cutting it back to the ground does this work? Any advice?

GRamaley

Registered:1357742252
Posts: 791

Posted 1381502931	Reply with quote #2

I would think it depends on the type of fig tree, I cut mine back to 3 feet tall and it was back to 15 by the beginning of summer. What was nice all the limbs were new and flexible so I could just pull them over to pick the figs at the top. __________________ Gloria --------------- 7a, maybe 8

Bikkurim

Registered:1354509162
Posts: 213

Posted 1381503289	Reply with quote #3

I have one in the same condition and I was wondering the same thing. Would air layering get the tree to fork? I have two long whips about 15 feet tall and everything (even the leaves) grows on the ends. Having the strong growers be flexible as GRamaley suggests in pruning would seem to be helpful. Sorry I don't have any direct help, Aaron, just more questions. :) __________________ Sarah greater Portland, Oregon area zone 8b Wish list:any Col de Dame, Maltese Falcon, Maltese Beauty, Black Zadar, Fico Piccolino, Petite Negri, Red Lebanese

GRamaley

Registered:1357742252
Posts: 791

Posted 1381503490	Reply with quote #4

Mine seems to branch where it is pruned. __________________ Gloria --------------- 7a, maybe 8

Charitup

Registered:1364254079
Posts: 592

Posted 1381504096	Reply with quote #5

I might not prune to the ground but see no reason to be afraid of cutting back. If your afraid of loosing next year crop I would prune part of the tree this year and another part next year. That will give you an idea of how it will react to pruning. __________________ goss North Ga. zone 7

Bikkurim

Registered:1354509162
Posts: 213

Posted 1381504142	Reply with quote #6

Thanks! I'll have to give it a go next year. __________________ Sarah greater Portland, Oregon area zone 8b Wish list:any Col de Dame, Maltese Falcon, Maltese Beauty, Black Zadar, Fico Piccolino, Petite Negri, Red Lebanese

Tonycm

Registered:1314411773
Posts: 922

Posted 1381504171	Reply with quote #7

Wish I had that problem. Mine will freeze to the ground and come back with bush type growth to about 6 to 8 feet if not covered. If you cut yours to ground level you should have same results as mine with the exception of more than likely longer branches since you have a longer growing season than me. __________________ Zone 6a Sarver, PA Wish list; Rafed's Genovese Nero

Dieseler

Registered:1215735852
Posts: 8,252

Posted 1381504245	Reply with quote #8

Each season prune it to control it. Before bud break next season yes you can cut it back a good deal leaving some nodes to awaken.

javajunkie

Registered:1362970391
Posts: 1,523

Posted 1381513935	Reply with quote #9

Sarah, Yes, air layering get's the left over mother tree to fork but I am told it is best done as it is breaking bud after dormancy. You can also just prune it for the same effect. I air layered this summer on trees that were several years old and long and pencil thin. It worked for me just great. I also understand that if you air layer before dormancy, you can leave it on until spring. Please if anyone has an answer to this theory speak up. __________________ Tami SE Texas

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