How To Prune A Mission Fig Tree

Step 1

Prune the tree in the late summer or early fall after the last crop has been harvested. Prune as close to the harvest date as possible.

Step 2

Cut away any dead, dying or diseased branches. Prune branches close to the tree base, leaving little or no stub.

Step 3

Prune all diseased branches at one time, even if it cuts away all new growth. You will not get a healthy fruit crop from diseased branches. Pruning diseased branches will prevent the spread of disease.

Step 4

Step 1

Prune the top branches of the tree to create the shape that you want the tree to grow in. Many fig growers have success with the low crown pruning method, which is pruning the tops of the branches to encourage the tree to grow out rather than up.

Step 2

Prune away branch tops that reach above 8 to 10 feet. This encourages the fig tree to produce lower lying branches, which makes it easier for harvest.

Step 3

Prune back half the branches one summer and the other half the next year if heavy pruning is necessary. This will enable you to have a fig fruit crop on half of the tree.

Step 1

Prune the tree differently starting in year three to encourage fruit growth. Figs are produced on the previous year's growth, so never prune away all of the new tree growth.

Step 2

Step 3

Prune away any branches that interfere with the sun exposure of lower branches. The sunlight should be able to reach all fig branches.

Step 4

Spray the entire tree with whitewash if you prune more than just a few branches. Place some whitewash paint into a paint sprayer. Wear gloves, goggles and a respirator when working with spray paint outdoors. Pay special attention to cut branches. The whitewash deters insects from attacking the cut areas of the tree.

Step 5