As far as you know how to prune old fig trees It can be the key to your plant re-emerging stronger than ever after undergoing an intensive "rejuvenation" process.
In this guide, we'll tell you everything you need to know to restore your old fig tree to its former glory.
How do you know when you have an old fig tree?
The fig tree can be considered old from 30-40 years, but this varies depending on the environment and the care it has received. Some age more quickly, while others can remain in optimal condition for longer.
If you're not sure how old your fig tree is, these features may indicate that it's old:
- Decrease in fig production. Each season produces fewer figs, and these are also smaller and of lower quality. You may also notice fruiting unevenly or only in certain parts of the tree.
- Presence of woody and inactive branches. The branches have become thick, stiff, and no longer produce new shoots. There are hardly any visible buds, and the shoots, if present, are weak. In some cases, the branches are still alive but produce neither leaves nor fruit.
- Dense or disorganized cup. The canopy is formed by a tangle of branches with no clear structure, which prevents light from reaching the interior and preventing new shoots from developing.
- Appearance of dry or dead wood. Many branches show necrosis, are dry, or brittle. There are hollow or cracked areas on the trunk and/or main branches.
- Poor or absent growth. When spring arrives, the fig tree doesn't produce new shoots. Even if you fertilize and water it properly, there's barely any vegetative growth.
- Exposed or damaged roots. In some cases, the roots of older fig trees become weakened or exposed, making it difficult for them to absorb nutrients.
Benefits of rejuvenation pruning on fig trees
Rejuvenation pruning is very intensive, and that makes us somewhat afraid to try it. However, our tree will greatly benefit from this action.
- Stimulates the growth of new shoots. By removing old wood we allow young and vigorous shoots to emerge.
- Fig production increases, since these are formed on the youngest branches.
- Air circulation and light intake are increased. This protects the plant from fungal infections and pests. In addition, receiving more light helps the fruit ripen.
- Correct the tree structure. It allows you to create a balanced cup that is resistant to the weight of the fruit and the action of the wind.
- It prolongs the life of the tree. It reduces structural stress on old, heavy branches and promotes a new phase of development.
- Facilitates harvesting the crop, preventing the fig tree from growing excessively or out of control.
- Improves the aesthetics of the orchard or garden, because the fig tree looks healthier and more harmonious.
What is rejuvenation pruning?
This pruning aims to remove older, unproductive, and poorly positioned branches. This helps promote the development of new, young shoots.
What is done is:
- Remove the thickest, woodiest, and lowest-yielding branches.
- Leave secondary branches and young shoots well oriented.
- Lower the main branches (if the fig tree is very tall).
- Open the canopy by removing crossed, misaligned, or internal branches.
How to prune old fig trees step by step
The first thing to do is a initial evaluation. Observe the overall structure and identify any dead, diseased, crossed, or misaligned branches. From there, determine whether you can prune all at once or if it's better to do it gradually.
You shouldn't remove more than 30% of the plant at a time. If your fig tree is large, it's best to space out rejuvenation pruning over two or three years.
Mark the branches you're sure you need to remove with chalk or a bit of tape to make the task easier.
When is this pruning done?
The ideal is to approach the task between late winter and early spring, before the fig tree begins to sprout.
If you live in an area that experiences severe frost, wait until the risk of frost has passed.
Prepare the tools
When it comes to how to prune old fig trees it is important that you have these tools:
- Pruning shears.
- Saw or chainsaw.
- Gloves and protective glasses.
- Alcohol or diluted bleach to disinfect the cutting blades.
- Healing paste for larger cuts.
Pruning for cleaning or sanitation
Work begins cleaning the structure of the fig treeTo do this, remove the most obvious and harmful parts, such as dead branches or suckers.
Structural rejuvenation pruning
The next step is the core of the work. In this phase, you need to:
- Remove some of the oldest and thickest main branches.
- Reducing the height of the fig tree to a manageable level (if it is very high).
- Keep young shoots that are well positioned.
At the end of this process, you should have between three and five well-distributed main branches. If your fig tree is very old, do this operation in two or three consecutive years to avoid weakening it too much.
Post-pruning care
Once the task is completed, applying these "first aid" measures will allow the tree to recover more quickly:
- Water lightly.
- Fertilize with compost, manure, or a balanced fertilizer to encourage regrowth.
- If you have made large cuts, apply healing paste to them to prevent infection.
By knowing how to prune old fig trees, you'll end up with: more vigorous new shoots in spring; improved fig production in one or two years; a more functional, stable, and aesthetically pleasing structure; and a more fertile, easier-to-care-for tree. Although the plant will initially look unsightly, if pruned correctly, it will soon sprout vigorously again.