I own a older fig tree approximately 20 years old and about 10 feet tall, and live in Commerce, GA.
Can I top off the tree on the main trunk at about 6 ft above the ground where it would be approximately 4 to 6 inches in diameter without harming the tree? It keeps getting taller and putting out lateral branches so high that I cannot reach the branches. I would definitely not want to kill the tree.

Thanks,
Art Richard
arthurrichard1970@gmail.com

Answer #1 · Maple Tree's Answer · Hi Arthur-If the first lower limbs are above 6 foot this would definitely make it hard to care for and harvest fruit. Figs need to be trained in their first couple of years growth to produce proper branching at a reasonable height. I have seen several older trees that were rejuvenated by trunk chopping. These trees can actually be cut back to a stump and still grow back. Although most figs will recover from this cutting back drastically to the trunk or to a stump it may take several years to again develop nice branching and produce fruit. Trunk chopping is done frequently by many to produce smaller bonsai trees with well established and sizable trunks. If the first branching isn't too high for you it may be best to reduce the trees size in steps over a period of a few years. You can cut out 1/3 of the old branches leaving approximately a 1 to 2 inch stub and reduce the other long growing branches by 1/3. New branching will develop from the old branch stubs that were left. The second and third year do the same cutting out the older tall growing branches. New branches will grow from the stubs that were left and can then be pruned each year to keep the tree at a lower height. Be sure to cut out any branching that is touching or interferring with others. Also cut out any branches that are growing towards the center of the tree. Keeping the center of the tree open helps to allow sunlight in and air circulation for good growth and fruit production. If you decide to do a trunk chop you would want to do it during the winter before sap starts rising and any new growth starts to develop. I noted a link to an article on pruning fig trees. If you decide to cut the tree back to the trunk or ground this article will help with the proper pruning to produce a nice tree again as new trunks and branching develops.

http://www.gardenality.com/Articles/360/How-To-Info/Pruning/How-To-Prune-A-Fig-Tree/default.html

ask if you have any other questions.

John)