
How to Make the Perfect Pruning Cuts for Fig Trees
By The Yard|February 03, 2025
Do you ever feel that some fig trees, from the leafy streets of Hawthorn to the sprawling gardens of Werribee, come with life and fruit bursting forth in every direction? Some other trees are not so lucky; their branches are all tangled messes. It's a common dilemma for residential and commercial spaces in Melbourne, from the inner metro to the inner southeast, northern, southern, and eastern western suburbs. The secret usually lies in proper and expert tree pruning for fig trees. It is a practice that ensures your trees are healthy, produce plenty of fruit, and will look great on your property. This article will resolve everyday issues related to fig tree pruning and deliver practical solutions. We will discuss when to prune, the tools you will require, and the most essential technique: cutting so your fig tree will live and thrive. With these fundamental elements, you can confidently approach fig tree pruning with confidence and enjoy a healthy, fruitful tree.
Understanding fig tree pruning techniques
Fig trees have unique pruning requirements to maximise fruit production, unlike other fruit-bearing trees. It's not simply randomly snipping branches; specific cuts serve distinct purposes. Think of it like a tailored haircut versus a haphazard trim – the results are vastly different. Just as a stylist understands the nuances of hair growth, a fig tree pruner needs to know the various types of cuts and how they influence the tree's development. This knowledge forms the foundation of effective pruning, ensuring the tree's health productivity and providing solutions for tree problems.
When to prune fig trees
Timings in pruning are everything. Wrong timing would stress the tree and decrease fruit production. Achieving healthy trees requires proper pruning schedules. For fig trees, severe pruning is done during the dormant season, late winter or early spring. It is after the tree has shed its leaves and before new growth sets in. A few tidy-ups can be done once fruiting has finished.
Proper use of pruning tools when pruning fig trees
The right tools make the job easier and safer. Some essentials are listed below:
How to make the best pruning cuts ever
It's time for the dirty details! Here is how you can make the best pruning cuts ever:
After pruning, here are some things you can do to encourage your fig tree to recover and grow well.
Pruning fig trees appears to be very complex at first. However, it becomes easier when well-equipped with the techniques, timing, and tools. One can feel confident while pruning a fig tree to help it grow well and yield many fruits. Light pruning should often be done more frequently rather than heavy pruning after some years. With little care and attention, your fig tree will continue providing you with its fruit supply for a long time. By following these guidelines, you'll be well on becoming a fig tree pruning pro! For expert fig tree pruning services and personalised advice tailored to your specific tree and location, contact The Yard today for a consultation.
Understanding fig tree pruning techniques
Fig trees have unique pruning requirements to maximise fruit production, unlike other fruit-bearing trees. It's not simply randomly snipping branches; specific cuts serve distinct purposes. Think of it like a tailored haircut versus a haphazard trim – the results are vastly different. Just as a stylist understands the nuances of hair growth, a fig tree pruner needs to know the various types of cuts and how they influence the tree's development. This knowledge forms the foundation of effective pruning, ensuring the tree's health productivity and providing solutions for tree problems.
- Different cuts have different effects on the tree's growth patterns.
- Knowing the purpose of each cut is crucial for achieving the desired results.
- Improper pruning can harm the tree and reduce fruit yield.
- Thinning cuts: Remove entire branches to the main branch or the trunk. It enhances air movement and light penetration in the canopy.
- Heading cuts: Shorten the branches, causing new growth below the cut. It is used to control the size and shape of the tree.
- Rejuvenation is a more drastic method used in old, neglected trees. It removes a large part of the plant's growth to stimulate new growth.
When to prune fig trees
Timings in pruning are everything. Wrong timing would stress the tree and decrease fruit production. Achieving healthy trees requires proper pruning schedules. For fig trees, severe pruning is done during the dormant season, late winter or early spring. It is after the tree has shed its leaves and before new growth sets in. A few tidy-ups can be done once fruiting has finished.
- Dormant pruning: This creates robust new growth in the springtime.
- Summer pruning: This helps manage the size and shape of the tree but should be done lightly.
Proper use of pruning tools when pruning fig trees
The right tools make the job easier and safer. Some essentials are listed below:
- Secateurs: For small branches up to about 2cm in diameter, opt for a good-quality pair that is sharp and comfortable to use.
- Loppers: Thicker branches up to about 5cm in diameter. These offer more leverage than secateurs.
- Pruning saw: For branches that are over 5cm in diameter. A folding saw is conveniently used for bigger branches.
- Gloves: To avoid getting thorns and scratch marks on your hands.
- Safety glasses: To avoid getting hit by small flying debris.
How to make the best pruning cuts ever
It's time for the dirty details! Here is how you can make the best pruning cuts ever:
- Check the tree: Before cutting it, look closely at it. Check the dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Look out for crossing branches rubbing against each other.
- Make the first cut: Always make the first cut 15-20 centimetres from a branch or tree trunk so the falling branch doesn't tear through the bark on its way out.
- Final cut: Your last cut should be on the outside of a branch collar – the slightly enlarged area where your branch meets the central part of the same branch or its trunk. A wound will properly heal this time.
- Angle the cut: angle it so water runs away from the wound.
- Clean up: tidy up any small stubs or ragged ends.
- Cut the underside of the branch, about one-third of the way through, lightly.
- Cut from the top, a few centimetres further out than that first cut, until the branch snaps.
- Make the final cut outside the branch collar.
After pruning, here are some things you can do to encourage your fig tree to recover and grow well.
- Water: Water the tree thoroughly, especially when it is dry.
- Fertilise: Give it a balanced fertiliser, which may help it grow new stems.
- Mulch: Circles of mulch at the tree's base hold moisture in and suppress weeds.
- Monitor the tree for signs of disease or bugs, and if necessary, consider using products containing an agricultural chemical to control common insect pests.
Pruning fig trees appears to be very complex at first. However, it becomes easier when well-equipped with the techniques, timing, and tools. One can feel confident while pruning a fig tree to help it grow well and yield many fruits. Light pruning should often be done more frequently rather than heavy pruning after some years. With little care and attention, your fig tree will continue providing you with its fruit supply for a long time. By following these guidelines, you'll be well on becoming a fig tree pruning pro! For expert fig tree pruning services and personalised advice tailored to your specific tree and location, contact The Yard today for a consultation.