[Arid_gardener] Pruning fig trees

[Olin Miller]

----- Original Message ----- From: "Rolf Ness" <ness4 at earthlink.net>
Sent: Saturday, July 07, 2007 9:57 AM
>an you share any information on how I should prune my fig tree?  I live in
>VA, it is three years old, twenty feet tall and has seven figs on it.
>(First time to ever fruit.)  A friend said she thinks she read that figs
>only fruit on new wood. Can you help?  Thank you.   kd
=====================================

Fig tree fruit production depends on the variety and climate.  In general,
fig trees produce two crops.  The first occurs in the spring on last
season's growth.  Fig trees are freeze tender and depending on climate you
may lose the first crop due to spring frosts.   The second and main crop
grows in late summer or fall and grows on new growth.  I don't know how this
would take place in your Virginia climate but you may want to experiment.
Most fig trees produce only female blossoms but others may need
cross-pollination.  Personally, I would only prune out dead wood and
otherwise let the tree grow like it wants to.

For more information, try googling with:
pruning fig tree for fruit production

Olin Miller, Master Gardener Volunteer
U of A Cooperative Extension, Maricopa County AZ