by Irini Kotroni

Created on: March 02, 2011   Last Updated: March 03, 2011

Purple-black succulent figs, warmed by sunshine and resembling dark jewels beg to be picked and savoured. Several successful seasons of bumper yields follow, then nothing. The tree is barren. Disappointment sets in and the question ‘why?’ hangs heavily in the air.

More often than not it is because the tree has not been trimmed correctly. Fig trees are quite easy to trim; the secret is never be put off by the dimensions of the tree. There are different methods of trimming a fig tree depending on whatever the tree size is.

Before any trimming takes place ensure that sharp secateurs or tree loppers are used. Using blunt garden tools will split the wood attracting pests as well as allowing rain and bad weather to get into to the ‘split’; this may cause branches to weaken and will prevent new healthy branches forming.

Begin to trim a young tree as soon as it is planted. Aim to trim the tree back by ½ to encourage healthy root growth and bushy new growth. Look carefully at the tree and keep the 4 healthiest looking, evenly placed branches growing out of the stem. Over the next few years of growth keep to this pattern and trim out any dead, diseased wood or weak branches.

Once this first step has been completed, trim to create the shape of the tree; this may be fan or ball shaped. Use wire stretched on a wall or sturdy fence to create the fan and to offer support to the new growth. The more normal ball shape helps maintain a balanced tree and prevents the tree from becoming ‘top heavy’ with a mass of foliage at the top of the tree and poor weak growth below.

An established tree requires more consideration before making the first trim. Never be too hasty to start, think ahead to how the tree will look; make a trim and then stand back and survey what has been trimmed.

Trim when the tree has produced its main crop of figs; trimming in the winter when the tree is dormant is always a popular trimming time but this may result in little or no fruit the following season. If a tree has become over grown simply trim it to the height required. Although this may count as a ‘severe trimming’ and with a probable result of not bearing fruit the following season, this type of trimming will improve quality and future fruit yields.

Begin trimming an established tree by removing all diseased or dead wood and any branches that criss-cross, now remove branches growing off the main branches; these only produce undeveloped fruit that are not pleasant to eat. Once these branches have been removed look carefully at the main branches and trim back by at least a ¼ but no more than a 1/3 to help the tree produce a good crop.

Any tree trimming should not be done in haste. Fig trees with correct trimming will produce those rich dark purple black velvet textured figs which on first taste enables the tongue to fully relish the syrupy, juicy sweetness of these wonderful sun warmed, jewels of fruit.

Reference: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/fig-tree-pruning.html   http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/fruit-gardening/prun ing-fig-trees.htm

Learn more about this author, Irini Kotroni.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.