Fig Trees: Pruning & Fertilizing

Prune fig trees between late February and early March, before new growth appears.

Prune young trees for shape and good scaffold branching.  A scaffold branch forms the main framework of the tree. Prune mature trees to maintain tree structure, health and easy harvest.

Pruning:

Do not remove more than 30 percent of the tree’s canopy in a given year.  Figs bear fruit on new wood, so over pruning will not only reduce fruit yields it also causes the tree to focus on foliage production. Over pruning can also cause a hormonal imbalance, which regulates its growth and fruit production.

Prune out dead, diseased, and crossing branches, cut back excessively long branches, and shape to retain scaffold branches.  Monitor pruning cuts for bacterial or fungal problems until they heal.

Fertilize:

Fertilize fig trees with an all-purpose fertilizer; a 10 -10 -10 ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Spread fertilizer evenly around the tree, keeping it at least 18 inches away from the trunk. Water the tree well after applying fertilizer.

Young fig trees: For the first two years in early spring apply 1 ounce of fertilizer once a month through August. Do not apply after August.   

Mature fig trees:  Apply in the spring when new growth appears, fertilize with 1/3 pound of fertilizer per foot of height.

Enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Article by: Carlotta Lucas, Ashland Garden Club board member