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How to Prune Young Fig Tree

12 years ago

Hello, I have a 1-2 year old fig tree about 4 feet tall. Currently it just has the one main trunk shooting straight up. My question is: How can I make the plant grow multiple limbs resemble more of a shrub rather than a stick? I was thinking of cutting back the trunk to 6" above the soil...Is this too drastic? This tree is planted in a container by the way. Trunk is 3/4 inch wide at most. Tree will be moved inside once the leaves have fallen off in a week or two. Thanks!

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Comments (3)

sergnic
12 years ago
To have a cup-shaped, with branches, you can certainly cut into 6 "of soil, is not drastic.
You can do so now or in spring when breaks dormancy.
Remember to keep it watered during the winter when the temperature is above freezing.
PolishItalian
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks for your response, sergnic!
I will cut the tree to 6-8" above the soil once I bring the tree inside for winter.
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lukeott
12 years ago
Why not wait till next year and then do an air layer. This way you get a second tree. Even if you don't want a another one, you could give it as a gift to a friend.

luke

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