[Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page

[pziem at cox.net]

Jim
85338 
pziem at cox.net

Ficus Trees -3 that are 2 years old. Problems - Leaves are turning brown & dropping. Tree is spreading apart and inside is bare or branches. Started 3 weeks ago watering 1 time per week using a soaker hose for 3-4 hours around tree's drip line. Soil type - clay. 
What time of year should a Ficus tree be trimmed?
Thanks in advance for your help!