Fig Tree- invasive roots, keeping pruned to 5 ft-
elvie z9CA
12 years ago
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elvie z9CA
12 years agoRelated Discussions
Do you root prune, keep potting up, or do nothing?
Comments (29)Hey Mike. Root pruning was a little nerve racking for me but I have done it with tropical fruits. I root pruned a mango tree, and yes, I was nervous but it worked just fine. I have not tried this on any of my citrus trees yet but my 'OroBlanco' grapefruit will probably be the first I tree I try it on. When I did it to my mango, I used a sharp knife and cut off 1/3 of the entire root ball. The only other thing I did was moved the tree to shade for a few weeks to recover, and the tree was fine. I would think it would be the same for citrus also. When I do this to my 'Oro Blanco', I will let you know how the tree does. Andrew...See MoreIs Root pruning for Fig trees a good idea or not?
Comments (28)Best time to repot F carica is in the spring immediately before or at the onset of budswell. They can be repotted after leaves fall if roots are fully protected from freezing temperatures. A full repot is inherently damaging because you will be removing 1/3-2/3 of the plant's root mass. If you're asking if it will irreparably damage the tree, the best answer is probably not, but it is much easier on the tree if you time repotting as herein described. If you're conflating repotting as potting up (a pot size), the answer is, potting up can be undertaken any time of year, so long as aftercare is appropriate. Potting up in the winter is somewhat concerning because the new soil volume will be recolonized by roots slowly, which means any soil saturation will tend to be a limiting factor for a longer period of time than if the plant was potted up while in active growth phase. Potting up is a half measure which ensures the limitations of root congestion are always in play, and these limitations can be immense as the congestion eventually reaches lethal levels. It would be helpful if we knew where you live. Al...See MoreHow to prune my young fig tree which has only a few leaves
Comments (15)Hi Map1e, I'm doubtful that your tree was grafted. Although your tree could've been grafted its more work for the nursery and why would they do that when a fig does fine on its own roots? I would suggest that you try to root some of your cuttings or if you have any suckers come up pot those up and compare them to the mother tree. If its grafted the suckers and the cuttings that you took will be different. Either the fruit color or leaf structure would be different. Would it be a robust plant if you air layered.... Yes, the fig would have a good headstart if you air layered a section of your 10 ft tree and cut it down to 6ft you would have a 4 ft tree instantly...well almost, you'd have to have roots develop first. I guess that your current option for propagating more trees would be to root some cuttings. Good luck, Little John...See MoreBest time to root prune container figs
Comments (5)The best time to repot/root prune F carica (the hardy fig) is in spring. The first time you repot, keep a close eye on the buds and be prepared in advance to repot at the very first sign of budswell. The next and all subsequent repots should be 2 weeks earlier than when you noticed bud movement. Take note of when you see the first sign of budswell each year. After several years you'll be able to predict with fair accuracy when buds will move, and you'll be able to repot just before they do. Buds on your hardy figs will be moving (in most cases) 2-3 weeks before figs and mulberries (close relatives) in the landscape are starting to push. Nothing is carved in stone, though. Several years ago, we had a week of weather in the mid to upper 80s in March. I had all sorts of trees breaking bud and had to take a week off to repot. I remember standing on the driveway in shorts and tank top with a hella bad sunburn by week's end, in spite of the SPF 35 I had slathered on. So pay attention and be prepared, in case Mother Nature serves up a curve ball. You CAN repot in fall after leaves are shed, but it's very important that you protect the roots of trees repotted in fall from any chance of freezing. Al...See Morebahia
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