The tree will sucker profusely. There are several methods that will work. The one with least impact on the environment is to cut the plant down low to ground. Then, faithfully remove ANY green as soon as it appears. Food to sustain plant function is manufactured in leaves. To deprive the plant of leaves is to deprive it if food. The plant will use all it's stored energy & give up.

A faster method is to cut it down & spritz foliage with Round-up as it appears.

Al

Al, thanks for the info, I will give it a try. I am surprised how much the tree has flourished since it is heavily shaded by pecan trees. One positive note though. I got some fruit, very surprised how sweet it is, almost too sweet to eat. Hate to kill it, but the house is more important.

Perhaps you could take cuttings, unless the fruit doesn't suit your taste.

Al

Is your concern the roots growing into the the foundation? or are you concerned about the tree taking too much moisturee out of the soil around the foundation?

I can't imagine a fig tree drawing enough moisture away from the soil to be an issue. However, if the tree is far enough from the house (maybe 18+ inches), an annual root pruning close to the slab might alieviate either problem.

Just a thought, but it may be a way to save the tree (if you want to) and reduce the risk of any damage to your foundation.

~james

"I got some fruit, very surprised how sweet it is, almost too sweet to eat. Hate to kill it, but the house is more important."

First of all ficus carica has shallow roots that ,do not damage foundation!!!

Second if it is so sweet and it is small as you stated ,Why not dig it out and put it in a different place far away from house in full sun?Regards