La fig tree Fig trees are one of the most appreciated fruit trees in the home, not only for their delicious figs, but also for the shade and rustic character they bring to any garden or orchard. However, over the years, many fig trees age, lose vigor, or stop producing abundant fruit. The good news is that there is a natural and simple process to restore their vitality: rejuvenating pruning. Learn how to prune fig trees. How to revitalize an old fig tree by pruning It will be key to recovering your energy, stimulating flowering and increasing fruit production in the following season.
Here you'll find detailed information on when and how to prune, the tools you need, practical steps, and mistakes you should avoid to get your fig tree back to its best.
Why is pruning crucial to revitalizing an old fig tree?
La pruning an aging fig tree It goes far beyond an aesthetic aspect. Over time, fig trees develop old branches that take resources away from new shoots, cause untidy growth, and significantly reduce the fig harvest. Therefore, a proper pruning help to:
- Remove dead or diseased branches which can be a source of pests and diseases.
- Stimulate the production of new fruit-bearing branches where the next figs will grow.
- Control size and shape of the tree, facilitating its maintenance and the collection of fruits.
- Improve aeration and penetration of sunlight into the canopy, which optimizes the photosynthesis process.
Thus, a properly pruned old fig tree not only improves its appearance, but also becomes much more productive and resistant to diseases and adverse environmental conditions.
When is the best time to prune an old fig tree?
Choose the right time for pruning It's essential to avoid unnecessary damage and promote the tree's recovery. In general, the best time to work on a fig tree is in late winter, once the harshest frosts have passed and before buds begin to sprout.
This is because, during winter dormancy, less sap circulates, and the tree tolerates cuts better without suffering major losses. Furthermore, the new shoots that emerge after pruning benefit from the strength of spring to develop vigorously and prepare for abundant fruiting.
In climates where frost is frequent well into February or even March, it is preferable to wait until the risk has completely passed, as early pruning could expose the cuts to the cold, hindering healing and further weakening the fig tree.
Tools needed for safe and effective pruning
To carry out a revitalization pruning In an old fig tree it is essential to have the adequate toolsThese will allow for clean, precise cuts, minimizing damage and promoting rapid tree recovery:
- Pruning shears: ideal for branches less than 2-3 cm thick.
- Hand saws: suitable for medium and thick branches.
- Small electric or pole saw: in case you need to cut high or very thick branches.
- Heavy duty gardening gloves: to protect your hands from possible cuts or punctures from the bark.
- Healing paste (optional): Helps protect thick cuts from disease or parasites, although many fig trees heal well without the need for application.
Before you begin, check that all tools are sharp and disinfected to prevent the transmission of fungi or bacteria from other trees.
Different types of pruning to revitalize the fig tree
You can find several techniques of pruning Specific for older fig trees. Choosing one or the other will depend on the condition of the tree, its size, and your production or aesthetic goals. Here we review the most commonly used and recommended ones:
- thinning pruning
- Topping
- Trellis pruning
Thinning pruning: renewing the structure
La thinning pruning It consists of selectively removing lateral branches or old shoots that don't produce fruit, are unhealthy, or are tangling the canopy. This type of pruning is essential to focus the fig tree's energy on the youngest and most productive shoots, improving the quality and quantity of the figs in the following season.
By removing excess and diseased vegetation, you'll also be opening up the canopy, allowing light and air to enter and making it harder for pests and fungi to grow.
Topping: controlling growth and renewing the canopy
El topping It is another fundamental technique in the pruning old fig treesThis involves shortening the tips of the youngest and most vigorous shoots. This action encourages the growth of new lateral branches, contributing to the formation of a denser and more fertile canopy.
In very old trees or those with untidy crowns, topping also helps limit the size of the fig tree, making harvesting and maintenance easier throughout the year.
Espalier pruning: ideal for small gardens
In smaller spaces or if you want to grow your fig tree next to a wall, the trellis pruning It's a great solution. It involves giving the tree a flat shape, guiding the side shoots onto a frame or support, and trimming them regularly.
This technique is not only practical for saving space, but also maximizes leaf exposure to sunlight, improving photosynthesis and ripening of the figs.
Step by step: How to prune an old fig tree to revitalize it?
Now that we know the basic techniques, let's see how to apply them in practice with a simple but effective methodology:
- Check the tree before cutting. Observe the condition of the fig tree carefully, identifying any dry, diseased, broken, or unproductive branches.
- Eliminate what is left overStart by removing all dead, dry, or visibly diseased branches. Make clean cuts as close to the base of the branch as possible.
- Cut crossed or too internal branchesThese prevent ventilation and sunlight from entering, and can end up deforming the natural structure of the canopy.
- It sprouts shoots that are too longBy topping, you reduce the tips of vigorous shoots to force the tree to branch and generate new fruit-bearing wood.
- Check the height if necessaryIf your fig tree has reached an uncomfortably tall height, you can trim the oldest upper branches, which will also encourage lateral growth.
- Shapes and balances the cup. Assess the overall picture; the fig tree should be proportionate and balanced, with no overly dense or empty areas.
- Remove all pruning debris of the tree's environment to avoid outbreaks of disease and the presence of pests.
For very old or poorly pruned trees, it's advisable not to perform excessive pruning in a single year. Progressive intervention, spread over several seasons, will be better tolerated and will allow the fig tree to regain its strength without weakening.
Additional tips and considerations for pruning old fig trees
The practice of pruning may seem simple, but there are Key tips for getting the best results and ensure that the fig tree regains its vitality without damage:
- Do not prune on wet or rainy days, since humidity encourages the entry of fungi into the cuts.
- Disinfect all tools before and after use., to avoid diseases.
- Do not remove more than 25-30% of the tree's volume in a single pruning., as you could weaken it too much.
- Seals thick cuts with healing paste if you notice that the bark or wood takes a long time to close the wound.
- Observe the fig tree a few days later pruning to check for signs of stress, decay or infections.
In the case of particularly long-lived fig trees or those that have been neglected for years, they may require a cycle of pruning over several seasons to fully restore their vigor. Patience is essential in this process.
Common mistakes to avoid when pruning an old fig tree
La rejuvenation pruning Pruning a fig tree can have a very positive impact, but it's also easy to make mistakes that can seriously damage the tree. The most common mistakes are:
- Pruning out of season: Doing so during active budding may reduce the tree's ability to heal.
- Using dirty or blunt tools: Irregular or contaminated cuts are sources of disease.
- Removing too much wood in a single year: Excessive pruning can cause the tree to go into shock and sprout weakly.
- Do not remove plant debris: Cut branches and leaves left near the trunk encourage pests.
- Failure to observe general equilibrium: An unbalanced crown can tilt the tree or cause future breakage.
With a little knowledge and a lot of observation, these mistakes can be easily avoided, resulting in a healthier and more productive fig tree.
Post-pruning care: ensuring a successful rebirth
After pruning the fig tree, it is essential pay attention to post-pruning care To make the recovery process as quick and effective as possible:
- Water moderately after pruning to help the tree overcome stress, but avoid excess water, which can promote fungal diseases.
- Add organic fertilizer at the beginning of spring to stimulate the sprouting of young branches.
- Monitor for the appearance of pests, especially if you have pruned a lot of wood and there are exposed wounds.
- Check the healing of thick cuts after a few weeks.
A An old fig tree can be completely transformed Through proper, planned pruning that respects the tree's rhythms. Whether through thinning, topping, or special methods like espaliering, every step helps the tree regain vigor, beauty, and productivity. With clean tools, a little patience, and following these tips, your fig tree will be the centerpiece of your garden for many years to come, rewarding you with sweet harvests and its unique, pleasant shade.
