Knowledgebase
Fig tree pruning #857576
Asked January 20, 2024, 10:06 AM EST
Harris County Texas
Expert Response
Hi Mary, thank you for your question.
Pruning mature figs is best done now in January through late February. Yearly pruning helps to maintain vigor, create the desired shape of the tree and control its size which can make harvesting easier.
It is best to cut a fig tree back a moderate amount every year or two than to allow it to grow so large that severe pruning is required. Most of the branches you cutback should be no larger than 1 inch to 2 inches in diameter. If substantial pruning back is done to reduce the size of or rejuvenate an older tree, fruit production the following summer will typically be reduced.
The tree should, however, produce well afterwards. I have attached the extension article below for reference.
01-27-2016-Figs-Easy-to-Grow-in-Home-landscapes-by-Dr.-William-M.-Johnson.pdf (agrilife.org)
I hope this helps!
