Fig Chop??

Laethe · Post by **Laethe** » February 7th, 2009, 9:05 am

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The branches on this have got a bit to long in proportion to the total size of the tree ( in my very novice opinion

)

any thoughts on just how far to cut back?? and is it to late to cut back this year?
I defoliated it about 6 - 7 weeks ago and this is all new growth
any thoughts much appreciated

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Apologies for the poor photo's

Bretts · Post by **Bretts** » February 7th, 2009, 10:55 am

When I first looked I thought your leggy growth was from the fig not being that happy. It looks like the one I made up for my sister in law. I have it back at the moment because it was getting scragly, leggy and poorly from lack of light "but the blinds are not working properly so I havn't been opening them" She said. I think I will care for it during the summer and let her enjoy it through winter inside.
I now see from what you say with yours this may mainly be from the defoliation you gave it. This leaves us with a desicion. I would advise cutting the fig back pretty drasticly. But as you have defoliated 6-7 weeks ago it may be best not to jump into it. First lets make sure it is very happy. Although figs can be happy indors they love sun and will reward you with terrific growth from it. Make sure the tree is in good sun(They can handle full sun but no need to get carried away) and the roots are not waterlogged. If this is already the case I think it will be ok to go ahead now. If not find a better spot to keep the tree and/or adjust your watering. I find figs like to dry out slightly.
If we wait give it a few weeks. watch the growth to make sure the tree is growing strongly then cut.
This is were I think you should cut

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Were the red line is this will sprout back strongly. That is good but those lower branches need to thicken up so I am a little unsure wether we should cut them back. Mainly because it is about getting them to grow faster than the top. But if we don't cut them back they will not have as many side branches as the top and thier growth will be slower.
Hell cut them back harder than I have indicated. You may find that new sprouts emerge from the trunk and grow faster than the existing side branches. That is ok too then you have lots to choose from. You will find that treated right the fig will reward you with quick growth. Those side branches can be replaced in a season bigger and better.
Another possibility is to remove two of the top branches to leave one exsisting leader. This should give you a start though.
Edit: Looking again I would advise leaving only the leader on the left, still chopping were I have indicated. They just look too much in a line to leave. Then you will get sprouts all over the trunk Yippee

Asus101 · Post by **Asus101** » February 7th, 2009, 11:24 am

before you jump on soltans idea, i have been playing with a fig of my own with growth like yours.
Before you cut back hard, try nipping out the new tips. after the first round, I then started leaving two leaves then nipping out the tip. It started producing some nice back budding and short nodes. A month should start showing results.
If it doesnt work, cut her back hard like soltan has commented.

Laethe · Post by **Laethe** » February 7th, 2009, 7:14 pm

thanks for that Soltan,

I am probably guilty of not giving it enough sun, I have moved it to a better position so will see what happens. It was probably only getting 3-4 hours of direct sunlight a day and less in winter.
It is hard to get enough sun in the backyard (if you can even call them that) in inner city terraces

I will post a pic when I chop it

MelaQuin · Post by **MelaQuin** » February 19th, 2009, 9:44 pm

I'd eliminate the root on the lower right. Then I would cut the tree just above the second branch and wire that as the new leader. From there it can develop its branches and foliage but you have a shorter version that will make the trunk look larger. Figs change a great deal as they grow and develop and you will find in a couple of years that it will have a lot for you to work with.

Laethe · Post by **Laethe** » February 19th, 2009, 9:55 pm

I was just looking at this today as it seems happy but didn't want to chop it with all the rain we have been having in syd........

I think this weekend I will chop it but will try and decide how far

I will post a pic for criticism afterward

Hector Johnson · Post by **Hector Johnson** » February 20th, 2009, 8:24 am

Message Deleted

Bretts · Post by **Bretts** » February 20th, 2009, 9:59 am

How about this

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Laethe · Post by **Laethe** » February 21st, 2009, 12:04 pm

So with the new leader would you cut it back bout halfway also ?
I thought I might leave it as is to help give me an indication of how the tree is recovering??

I have cut pretty much as per the picture (though my cutting technique leaves a lot to be desired)

I have cut the lower branches back to about 3cm from the tree

Here a few pics, I am not sure if I have wrecked it

spose I will find out in a few months, and if indeed I have hopefully the fact that it is a fig it will have some more options in a few years

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Bretts · Post by **Bretts** » February 21st, 2009, 12:19 pm

Thats a great job. Nothing to be scared about this will do fine.
If you can get some wire and wire all existing branches and leader it will be perfect.
You can leave the leader long if you like.

Edit: Next job will be to sought out the root base. I can only suggest some spagnum moss around the base until next mid Summer to encourage some rooting around the base(this works with figs). But that is next year enjoy your new tree till then

AusBonsai

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