Cutting a fig tree: The right time & cut

In order for your fig tree to bear a lot of fruit, it needs regular pruning. We show when the perfect time for a pruning is and how to properly cut figs in the bucket or in the garden.

Does the Mediterranean fig also grow in your garden? If so, a skillful pruning can ensure she produces more of her sweet and desirable fruits. fig trees (Ficus carica) are rare exotic species in Germany, but their number is steadily increasing. Especially in milder areas, the tree with its sweet fruits can grow very luxuriantly.

Basically, figs do not need to be cut. Even without human intervention, the trees develop their typical sprawling shape and produce plenty of fruit. However, to stimulate growth and improve yield, pruning can be worthwhile. Even bare fig trees can be brought back into an attractive shape. Below we will show you when and how to prune your fig tree.

When to prune fig trees

Like apple and pear trees, figs are also fruit trees. And like other fruit trees, fig trees should be pruned primarily in early spring.

Prune fig tree in spring

If you prune a fig tree, it should always be done in spring when it starts to get warmer. Bringing potted figs outside is the right time to prune. This is usually the case in March or early April. Choose an overcast day for the pruning that promises no precipitation. This allows the wounds to dry well and heal quickly, protected from excessive sunlight.

Prune fig tree in summer

Fig trees should generally not be pruned back in summer, as the tree does not tolerate cutting as well as it did before the growth phase in spring. A pruning would cost the fig too much energy and also endanger the harvest. In the summer, if you find that pruning is necessary, wait until next February to do so.

Pruning a fig tree in the fall

Even autumn is not the right time for pruning the fig tree. At this time of year the tree is still producing the last fruit and dropping its leaves. He's getting ready for winter. A cut is always a strong intervention and affects the plant. However, this should now fully focus on the preparation for the cold season, i.e. the Wintering of the fig tree, dedicate. In addition, cuts do not heal well over the winter and frost damage can occur. In early spring, when the tree is back in sap, it can seal wounds faster and more efficiently.

Cutting a fig tree: This is how you proceed when pruning

Because fig trees can do quite well on their own, they don't need drastic pruning. Nevertheless, pruning can improve the shape and secure the yield. It is essential that you use clean and sharp tools for the cut and always cut back to the next suitable branch fork or bud. In principle, the procedure is similar to that of other fruit tree species:

• First cut back dead branches to the next fork.
• Remove shoots from the lower part of the trunk.
• Thin out the inside of the crown with a few cuts, if necessary. To do this, crossing branches or branches that are close together should be removed. Thinning out means that figs are more likely to ripen on this year's wood.
• Balance the crown of the tree. Identify the leaders and make sure they are about the same strength. If a main shoot is dominant, it can be weakened somewhat by shortening it up to the next fork.

It is important to know that the main yield of the fruit does not come from the annual shoots. These also bear fruit a little later in autumn, but the figs mainly thrive on two-, three- or four-year-old wood. In spring you can already discover the beginnings of the later figs with the thick buds. This will give you a feeling for which branches and twigs will produce the most figs. Older wood hardly produces any more yield and can therefore be cut back a little from time to time. In order to always get enough fruit-bearing wood, you should make sure to leave enough one-, two- and three-year-old wood with every pruning.

With bare trees, you can also cut something a little more radically. However, do not carry out a harder cut every year, but only if absolutely necessary.

Young and freshly planted fig trees should always be spared from severe pruning so as not to impair their growth.

Tip: Incidentally, you can use cut shoots as cuttings to grow a new fig.

Cut back a frozen fig tree

In this country it is quite possible that fig trees are damaged by the severe frost in winter. The thick branches are less affected, but rather the younger shoots. If you notice such damage in the spring, you should definitely remove the frozen branches and twigs to stimulate the formation of new shoots. Prune such branches back to the nearest bud or fork in healthy wood.

Pruning a fig tree in a bucket

The same applies to fig trees in tubs as to fig trees planted out. Prune these trees as soon as you bring them outside from winter quarters.

Not just the cutting, that too Fertilizing the fig tree ensures a richer harvest of fruits. You can find out how to do this in our special article.

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