If you wish improve production of fruit from your fig tree, pruning is a fundamental step that you cannot ignore. Well-established secrets and techniques will allow you to obtain a healthy and well-balanced plant, capable of offering you an abundant and high-quality harvest.
The best time to prune the fig tree
The ideal time to prune a fig tree is end of winterwhen the tree is in vegetative rest and the last frosts are over. During this moment, the plant is less vulnerable and you can intervene without risking damage to the younger branches.
Winter pruning
Winter pruning is essential for remove broken branchesdry or sick. With a good pruning saw, remove damaged branches to allow for a healthy growth and vigorous. This intervention avoids the spread of diseases and opens the foliage to the sun and air.
Summer pruning
In addition to winter pruning, it is essential to carry out a summer pruning immediately after the fruit harvest, between July and August. This practice helps to stimulate production for the following year, removing excess shoots and rebalancing the distribution of the sap.
Control and formation of the young fig
During the first few years, the fig tree requires special attention. Frequently pruning a young fig is crucial to forming a strong, well-balanced structure. The first cut is decisive: correctly shaping the plant right from the start facilitates robust and fruitful growth.
Practical tips for pruning
For best results, follow these practical tips:
- Use well-sharpened and sterilized tools to avoid infection.
- Always cut above a node or bud to encourage regrowth.
- Avoid too drastic cuts so as not to stress the plant. Use pruning shears for smaller branches and a saw for larger ones.
- Observe the shape of the plant and work to maintain overall harmony.
Branches to preserve and cut
Knowing which branches to keep and which to remove is essential:
- Keep the branches that bear fruit the previous year.
- Remove branches that grow into the canopy to avoid overcrowding.
- Remove branches that cross or rub together, creating weak spots for the plant.
By following these tips, you will be able to prune your fig tree effectively, thus ensuring healthy growth and abundant production of fruits. Remember that good pruning not only improves fruit quality, but also preserves the long-term health of your plant.
