Controlling fig tree growth - Ask Extension
My fig tree ( green figs with light pink interior) has grown out of control since I planted it. The primary trunk is at least 7 inch diameter. It has ...
Knowledgebase
Controlling fig tree growth #927678
Asked April 06, 2026, 3:59 PM EDT
My fig tree ( green figs with light pink interior) has grown out of control since I planted it. The primary trunk is at least 7 inch diameter. It has sprouted 7 additional trunks. Every time I prune it gets taller and wider and puts out more and more branches. It does not produce very much fruit.
Marion County Oregon
Expert Response
Dear Julie,
Thank you for contacting us about your fig tree. It sounds like your fig is in need of a rejuvenation pruning.
First, it's important to keep in mind that figs produce fruit on 1-year old wood (last year's growth.) Hard pruning is needed to keep them in size as well as to encourage fruiting. The best time to prune is before the buds begin to open.
Keep both trunks but top them out at about 4 feet. Remove all suckers just above the soil level. (You may have to remove suckers from the base during the year since pruning will stimulate more of this growth.)
Choose a few strong lateral branches that are low enough for you to reach for harvest. Note that horizontal branches produce more fruit and are easier to maintain than those that grow upward.
Shorten the smaller shoots to 2 or 3 buds. Try to cut just about an outward-facing bud so that the new growth does not grow toward the center of the tree.
Here are some links that may help you:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/PSAQJrbHw_Q?feature=share
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/news/grow-great-figs-oregon-varieties-planting-pruning
I hope this is helpful. Please write again if you have more questions.
Thank you for contacting us about your fig tree. It sounds like your fig is in need of a rejuvenation pruning.
First, it's important to keep in mind that figs produce fruit on 1-year old wood (last year's growth.) Hard pruning is needed to keep them in size as well as to encourage fruiting. The best time to prune is before the buds begin to open.
Keep both trunks but top them out at about 4 feet. Remove all suckers just above the soil level. (You may have to remove suckers from the base during the year since pruning will stimulate more of this growth.)
Choose a few strong lateral branches that are low enough for you to reach for harvest. Note that horizontal branches produce more fruit and are easier to maintain than those that grow upward.
Shorten the smaller shoots to 2 or 3 buds. Try to cut just about an outward-facing bud so that the new growth does not grow toward the center of the tree.
Here are some links that may help you:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/PSAQJrbHw_Q?feature=share
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/news/grow-great-figs-oregon-varieties-planting-pruning
I hope this is helpful. Please write again if you have more questions.
Very helpful! Thank you!
