How to Prune a Weeping Fig Tree
Weeping fig (ficus benjamina) is grown as a tree or bush, inside or outside. It can grow as tall as 6 feet high and have 2- to 3-inch-long leaves that are medium green in color. Weeping figs are considered tropical to subtropical trees and do the best in sun to partial shade, in mildly acidic to acidic soil. Weeping figs have braided trunks, an interesting characteristic. Pruning them will ensure they develop a strong structure, keep their form and shape looking good, as well as improve the health of the tree.
Identify broken, dead or diseased branches as soon as they appear. Cut them with pruning shears at the point where they meet healthy branches or the tree trunk.
- Weeping fig (ficus benjamina) is grown as a tree or bush, inside or outside.
- Cut them with pruning shears at the point where they meet healthy branches or the tree trunk.
Prune wayward branches any time of year. If they are too long and ruining the look of the tree, use shears to clip them to the desired length. Place the cut next to a bud.
Thin out the weeping fig tree's canopy to allow light and air to get in, which will improve the tree's health and reduce the likelihood of disease. Follow a few interior branches to their origination and cut as close to the joint as possible.
Make all cuts next to the collar, which is the thicker section at the base of branches. This will help you avoid the creation of a stump, which can invite pests and disease.
- Prune wayward branches any time of year.
- Make all cuts next to the collar, which is the thicker section at the base of branches.
Keep up with pruning the tree annually. Remove twigs that are one to two seasons old, in order to maintain the shape you've created.
Trim weeping fig trees over time if you need to cut off quite a bit. For the health of the tree, you should not prune more than 10 percent to 30 percent of the healthy wood per growing season.
Warning
Don't top weeping figs by cutting clear across the top of the tree.
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References
Warnings
- Don't top weeping figs by cutting clear across the top of the tree.
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Based in New York State, Kelly Shetsky started writing in 1999. She is a broadcast journalist-turned Director of Marketing and Public Relations and has experience researching, writing, producing and reporting. She writes for several websites, specializing in gardening, medical, health and fitness, entertainment and travel. Shetsky has a Bachelor of Arts in communications from Marist College.
