how and when to prune a fig tree

[lfnfan]

Hi All

Just moved in to a new house, where we have a fig tree on the border with the neighbours'.

I know it's a fig tree because I can see green figs on the branches.

The neighbours have asked us to prune it back (a reasonable request), so I was just hoping for some advice about when and how to prune it.

I'd estimate that it's about 8ft tall, with branches that spread 8 to 10 ft each side. I can post a pic if that would help?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[Mell]

Winter,would generally be a good time this book isworth consulting Nutshell Guide to Growing Figs: Everything You Need to Know in a Nutshell: Amazon.co.uk: Clive Simms, Sam Taylor: Books

[lfnfan]

thanks Mell

sounds like 'now is the time' !

[Liza]

I prune mine in autumn, sorry not much help. where abouts are you ?

[lfnfan]

north london

I was amazed even to see a fig tree growing in the garden - only seen them in the middle east before.

Mell's advice and general 'googling' consensus seems to be to prune in winter.

which also suits me 'cos that's pretty much where we are now

[lfnfan]

where to prune - branch collar

some further research tells me I should be pruning just at the outside of 'branch collars', the better to promote healing. Branch collars are at the intersection of trunk and branch, or branch and sub-branch.

But it seems I should also be pruning 1/4 to 1/3 off the end of the main fruiting branches. What point along the length of a branch is it best to prune - is there an equivalent to the 'branch collar' area?

any hints much appreciated.