Complete guide on how to prune a fig tree correctly
La pruning the fig tree Pruning is a fundamental process for ensuring the health, vigor, and productivity of this traditional Mediterranean tree. To achieve optimal results, it's essential to know not only the right time to prune, but also the different techniques, tools, and precautions to follow depending on the age and condition of the fig tree. Here's a comprehensive guide that includes best practices and expert advice for caring for your fig tree.
Structure and characteristics of the fig tree
- Roots: They are strong and extensive, often superficial, which allows them to quickly absorb water from the soil. It's common to see some roots above the surface around the trunk.
- Trunk: It stands out for its robustness, although the firewood is not very hardContains a milky sap that may be irritating on contact with skin.
- branches: The fig tree usually divides into several main branches that grow outwards creating a open structureNew stems and buds sprout from these each year, some of which emerge at the base of the trunk, called "suckers," and should be removed to encourage the growth of the main branches.
- Leaves: Large, broad, and deeply lobed (three to five lobes), with a rough texture and bright to dark green color. They can reach up to 25 cm in length.
Why is it important to prune the fig tree?
Pruning is essential for the fig tree grows strong, keep a balanced structure and produce abundant fruit. Without regular pruning, the fig tree tends to grow vertically, producing unreachable branches and a dense canopy that prevents proper light from reaching the interior. Pruning also helps prevent disease, improves ventilation, stimulates fruiting, and allows for control of the tree's size.
When is the best time to prune a fig tree?
The choice of pruning time It is essential and varies depending on the type of intervention:
- Formation pruningIt is recommended to do this during the final period of dormancy, just before the tree begins its vegetative growth (late winter or early spring). This promotes vigorous and structured growth.
- Maintenance pruningThis is the most common method, occurring annually and carried out at the end of winter, always avoiding frost and before new shoots appear. The environment should be as dry as possible to prevent fungal infections.
- Fruiting pruningIf we want to boost fig production for the following season, it is ideal to do so in late summer, selecting the most promising branches.
- Healing pruning: It is done at any time to eliminate diseased areas and prevent the spread of pests or diseases.
In very humid climates or if pruning will cause large wounds, it may be advisable to postpone the procedure until late spring to ensure better healing.
Key techniques and types of pruning for fig trees
- Thinning pruningThis involves removing unproductive side shoots. This allows the tree's energy to be concentrated on the fruit-bearing shoots, improving the quality of the figs and facilitating internal ventilation.
- ToppingThe tips of young shoots are shortened to control the tree's size and encourage greater branching. This helps achieve a denser, more fertile canopy.
- Trellis pruningSuitable for small gardens or wall plantings. The fig tree is trained flat, securing the side shoots to a support and trimming them frequently to maintain their shape.
- radical pruningThis is a drastic intervention, only indicated for old, diseased, or neglected specimens. Most branches and even part of the trunk are removed to stimulate sprouting from the base. It is usually necessary to renew mature or severely damaged fig trees.
Step by step: how to prune a fig tree
- Prepare the tools: Make sure your pruning shears and saws are sharp, clean, and disinfected to make clean cuts and prevent infection.
- Evaluate the condition of the treeObserve overall health, trunk strength, and the presence of new shoots or suckers. For young or recently transplanted trees, wait until they are established before performing a major pruning.
- Cut unproductive branches: Remove old, damaged, diseased or downward-growing branches (more than 45° tilt), as they will not produce fruit and will only consume energy.
- Remove suckers: Remove the shoots that emerge from the base of the trunk to concentrate the sap in the main branches.
- Lighten the interiorRemove interior branches that block light and air circulation. Also, cut off any branches that cross or overlap.
- define the structure: Look for an open and horizontal crown, promoting the development of well-spaced main branches.
- Making bevel cuts: Make the cuts obliquely about 2 cm from the shoot to facilitate healing and avoid retained moisture, which reduces the risk of fungus.
- Special in biferous fig treesIf you want to harvest figs, keep stems that are more than a year old, which is where they are produced.
- Final revision:After pruning, check that the tree is symmetrical and balanced. Remove all debris to prevent pests.
Advanced tips for efficient pruning
- Avoid pruning very thick branches unless absolutely necessary. Healing is slower and can lead to disease.
- Beware of the milky sap: Protect your hands, as it can be irritating.
- Plan long-term pruningFig trees tolerate heavy pruning well, but if the tree is weak or has been repotted, it is best to proceed gradually.
- Remember the horizontal and open structure It facilitates harvesting and promotes the development of larger, higher-quality figs.
- In fig trees trained on trellises, periodically check the support and ties to avoid damage to the growing shoots.
- After pruning, apply healing paste in large cuts to prevent infection.
Varieties and fruits of the fig tree
There are many varieties of fig trees, with fruits of diverse colors and flavors. The most common are:
- Green figs: They have yellowish skin when ripe and pink flesh.
- Red figs: They turn purple when ripe, with reddish pulp and intense flavor.
- Black figs: Very sweet, with black or purple skin and red flesh.
Figs only fully ripen on the tree. A ripe fruit falls off easily to the touch, so it's best to harvest and consume them promptly to prevent them from spoiling on the ground.
Curiosities: relationship between the fig tree and wasps
Many fig trees maintain a unique symbiosis with wasps of the Agaonidae family, responsible for pollination. The wasp introduces its eggs into the figs through the ostiole, and the development of this relationship is essential for fruit formation in wild varieties. However, there are cultivated fig trees that can bear fruit without the intervention of these insects thanks to various adaptations and varietal selections.
Common mistakes when pruning fig trees (and how to avoid them)
- Pruning at the wrong timeFrost can seriously damage fig trees after pruning. Make sure the risk of frost has passed and the weather is dry before pruning.
- Excessive pruningAlthough fig trees tolerate pruning well, removing too many branches can stress the tree. Plan the procedure over several seasons if necessary.
- Not disinfecting tools: Fungal and bacterial diseases can be easily transmitted if instruments are not cleaned before and after use.
- Leave residuePruning debris provides shelter for pests. Remove it immediately from the tree's surroundings.
Growing and pruning a fig tree is a rewarding and simple activity if you follow the right guidelines. With proper pruning, your fig tree will remain healthy, vigorous, and reward you with a bountiful harvest of figs year after year. The key is to understand the tree's life cycle and needs, intervening at the right time and using the right technique to ensure its optimal development.