The Fig Pruning Technique
The University of California (UC) Master Gardeners and UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) provide several resources on pruning and shaping figs, emphasizing that the method depends largely on the variety you are growing. UC Master Gardener Resources * UC Marin Master Gardeners: They distinguish between "Black" figs (like Mission) and "White/Brown" figs (like Kadota or Thompson). * White & Brown Figs: Require heavy pruning because they produce fruit on new growth. UC recommends almost completely removing the wood from the previous season each winter to promote vigorous new growth. * Black Figs: Require only light pruning. They typically bear on older wood (spurs), so heavy pruning can actually reduce your yield. * UC IPM (Integrated Pest Management): Their guide on pruning figs notes that while figs are tolerant of various pruning levels, the goal for mature trees is to remove interfering or broken branches and keep the top open to allow ...