question re fig tree

[motdaugrnds]

We planted a "Kadota" Fig tree spring 2009; had small amount of fruit first year; was damaged by that winter's weather; put out again this year. Here are 2 pictures (one from west side & one from east side) that show how it has grown.





It is now about 7' tall and as you can see the area I prepared for it now appears too small; yet it is next to a drive that does not permit our increasing the width of the area.

We are wondering if it can be pruned to maintain a size that fits this area without damaging itis ability to fruit as it does. We are even considering transplanting it; yet have never transplanted any tree this size before and are concerned about damaging it. We are also thinking of tying the branches so they grow in a more upright manner; but do not know if this will be detrimental to the tree or not. Here is what the base of the tree looks like.



I am hoping people in here can share some information as to what they would do in this situation.

[mommagoose_99]

I have found several websites that might beable to help you. http://figs4fun.com/basics2.html or http://figs4fun.com/bills_figs.html Also if you want more figs, you can buy cuttings at seed savers exchange
Linda

[motdaugrnds]

Thank you mommagoose, I will check both those sites out.

[Jokarva]

My fig (no idea what type) is about 7 yrs old and would be way too big for that space. Figs want to grow out, not up.

But, if you do prune to keep it growing upright it'll make it hard to get at the figs growing way up high.

I hate to think about all the sweat involved in digging up and moving that tree, but if I thought I could manage it that's what I'd try. OR, since figs are really simple to propagate with soil layering you could keep it where it is and well pruned, then use it to
start more trees to plant in more suitable areas. I've started lots of figlet trees and given them away.

Good luck with it, I've been stuffing myself with figs for a week now!

[motdaugrnds]

Jokarva, I have considered the pruning since the tree is next to the tool shed, which is easy to climb onto. Using a fetch stick might not be that difficult. Also the existing fencing around it would permit a nice high ladder.

I am seriously considering starting at least one tree from it; just not sure how. (I did that one year by taking off a sucker type branch from near the ground and it died quickly.) How do you start yours and get them to grow? (I have a large triangular shaped spot on the southeast side of our buck house that I'ld like to place one. I was considering a Brown Turkey there; but if I could get a nice growth from the Kadota I have, that would save money.)

[Jokarva]

My sister started my (and her) tree from cuttings off my parent's tree in FL, I have NEVER gotten a cutting to grow - I'm doing something wrong I just don't know what.

I start my trees by soil layering - Googling that term will get you lots of info. Basically you take a low growing branch and pin it to the ground (nick the bark with a sharp knife where it touches dirt). Use a large rock, metal pin, whatever you have to keep it anchored to the ground. It continues to get nourished thru the main tree, but will start growing roots where it touches dirt. When it looks like it's growing well (I leave mine for months) sever the branch between tree and pinned spot, dig up the rooted branch and plant your new tree.

This method has never failed me. I've used it to propagate Hydrangeas, azalea, butterfly bush, all sorts of things. I love free plants!

[motdaugrnds]

Jokarva, that is an interesting way to start a tree. What time of year do find works best to nick & pin the low-growing branch to the ground?

[Jokarva]

I usually start mine in spring/summer, mainly because that's when I'm out farkeling around in the garden. Then by the next spring or fall it's ready to dig up and plant. But I'm not very careful about those time frames and mostly just do it when I feel like it.

I also cover my very small trees with a largish box over the winter. At Thanksgiving I put a box that's bigger than the tree over it and fill with dried leaves. Then I close the box's top flap, put a rock on top and leave it till Mother's Day. I do that for a couple of winters, keeps the tree from dessicating and gives it a good start. I'm in zone 6 though, you might not need that if you're in a milder climate.

[motdaugrnds]

Thank you Jokarva, I am going to do that with a couple of low-lying branches next spring.

I have spoken with one man who has had a fig orchard for many years. He was kind enough to look at my fig tree and make suggestions. He told me I did not need to transplant it; just trim it back about a third each year. He also told me to use "Osmocote" fertilizer and make sure the Ph is 7.8. I am going to try this too.

I am wondering about the pruning, though. It has been my experience that, wherever I make a pruning cut, there will be 2-3 growths from that spot the following year. I am concerned that in a few years, this fig tree might be extremely "thick". (I am so new to pruning that I am intimidated; so am trying to look ahead and learn all I can as to what "might" occur that would help or harm my tree.)

[Jokarva]

I can't tell you much about pruning, it isn't my strong point. Which is why I know how hard it is to reach those high figs...

[JB740i]

Originally Posted by mommagoose_99

I have found several websites that might beable to help you. http://figs4fun.com/basics2.html or http://figs4fun.com/bills_figs.html Also if you want more figs, you can buy cuttings at seed savers exchange
Linda

I couldn't find any figs on the SSE website. Is it only at their brick and mortar location?

[motdaugrnds]

I have been in contact with "Bill" from that 2nd URL and he has been very kind in giving me some information. He tells me not to transplant it; that it is just fine where it is; to prune 1/3rd off it each year by cutting each limb down to just above an "out-growing" leaf.

I plan on doing this early spring before it starts budding again. I am, also, going to use Jokarva's method of propagating roots on one or more of the lowest branches next spring. (I am feeling real good about the progress of this fig tree now.)

[mommagoose_99]

I think you need to be a member to get the Fig information. I joined SSE and then used the search list on the left and clicked onto fruit and found the figs. I did not try looking before I joined.
Linda