How to Prune a Brown Turkey Fig Tree

Brown Turkey fig trees produce sweet, purple-brown fruit on long stems. With their fast growth habit, fig trees need regular pruning to keep them healthy and productive. Follow these tips on when and how to prune your Brown Turkey fig tree.

Why Prune Fig Trees?

Pruning a fig tree accomplishes several important goals:

• Promotes fruit production – Removing old wood encourages new fruiting wood to grow.

• Manages size – Keeping fig trees pruned prevents them from taking over your garden.

• Improves air circulation – Thinning inner branches allows air to move through the canopy

• Removes dead wood – Take out any diseased or damaged branches.

• Shapes the tree – Pruning controls the tree’s shape and directs growth.

When to Prune Brown Turkey Figs

Pruning at the right time of year is key. The optimal time is late winter or early spring when the tree is dormant.

• Make cuts just before new growth emerges in spring.

• Avoid pruning during fall and early winter to reduce risk of frost damage.

• Pruning in summer risks shocking the tree and reducing the current season’s crop.

How Often to Prune Fig Trees

Ideally, prune fig trees annually to keep them productive Here are general guidelines

• Year 1 – Prune lightly to shape young trees after planting

• Year 2 – Prune to create tree structure and open up the center.

• Year 3 – Start heavier fruiting wood renewal pruning.

• Mature trees – Prune heavily every 1–2 years in early spring.

Pruning Mature Brown Turkey Fig Trees

Follow these steps to prune a mature Brown Turkey fig:

1. Remove Dead, Diseased, and Broken Branches

Cut out any obviously damaged branches first. Pruning away disease helps limit its spread.

2. Thin Inner Growth

Remove branches growing inward to open up the center of the tree and allow light and air penetration.

3. Shorten Long Branches

Cut long, leggy branches back by at least one-third of their length to encourage new fruiting wood growth.

4. Shape the Tree

Prune to create an open vase shape, removing any branches that don’t fit the desired form.

5. Renew Fruiting Wood

Selectively remove older, unproductive branches to stimulate new growth. Cut at least 20% of wood.

6. Remove Suckers and Water Sprouts

Prune off shoots growing straight up from the trunk and any growth coming from below the graft.

Pruning Fig Trees to Restrict Size

For small gardens, prune mature fig trees hard each spring. Cut all branches down to 2-3 buds to limit size. This will sacrifice some fruit but prevents excessive growth.

Aftercare for Pruned Fig Trees

After a heavy pruning:

• Disinfect pruning tools between cuts to avoid spreading disease.

• Apply pruning sealant to any cuts larger than 1 inch in diameter.

• Water the tree regularly through spring and summer to help recovery.

• Stake branches if needed to prevent breakage until new growth hardens off.

• Avoid overfertilizing after pruning – this can cause excess, tender growth.

Pruning is essential for keeping Brown Turkey fig trees healthy and productive. By annually removing dead wood, thinning branches, and cutting back old fruited wood, you can maximize fig crops while controlling your tree’s size and shape. Follow proper timing guidelines and disinfecting practices, and your figs will thrive under care.