Pruning, Staking, Shaping & Training Fig Trees for Size Control & MORE Figs
Channel: Ross Raddi
Date: 2024-03-22

In the video, Ross, known as the Fig Boss, discusses the importance of training, shaping, and pruning fig trees to maximize fruit production. He emphasizes the benefits of horizontal growth to optimize sunlight exposure and increase fruit yield. Ross advocates for strategic pruning techniques focused on removing larger branches at the base rather than detailed work at the top, ultimately simplifying the process and promoting healthy tree growth.

To learn more about pruning fig trees, check out this detailed article on the Fig Boss blog: https://www.figboss.com/post/a-comprehensive-guide-to-pruning-fig-trees-in-containers-large-in-ground-trees-young-trees-old
And when to prune fig trees: https://www.figboss.com/post/when-to-prune

Training Overview (00:00): 
Ross introduces the topic of training, shaping, and pruning fig trees, using a Ronde Bordeaux fig tree as an example.

Horizontal Growth Advantage (00:30): 
Discusses the advantage of outward horizontal growth in maximizing sunlight exposure for better fruit production.

Importance of Pruning (01:06): 
Highlights the necessity of pruning to open up trees for sunlight exposure, thereby increasing fruit yield.

Strategic Pruning (02:13): 
Details strategic pruning techniques, including removing main branches at the base rather than detailed work at the top to maintain tree size and encourage fruiting.

Caution Against Excessive Pruning (03:45): 
Warns against excessive winter pruning, as it disrupts hormonal balance and can hinder fruit set the following year.

Pruning Strategy for Size Control (04:45): 
Advocates for annual pruning to control tree size by removing the largest branches at the base, allowing new growth to replace them.

Optimizing Sunlight Exposure (05:16): 
Emphasizes the importance of maximizing sunlight exposure by strategic positioning of branches and judicious use of stakes rather than excessive pruning.

Simplicity of Pruning Approach (06:20): 
Concludes by highlighting the simplicity of pruning fig trees by focusing on strategic cuts and branch positioning to maximize sunlight exposure and fruit production.

Check out the very informative Fig Boss website & blog: https://www.figboss.com/
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https://www.instagram.com/rossraddi/

Support My Work! 
Cuttings & Plants for Sale: https://www.figboss.com/category/all-products
Merch: https://fig-boss.creator-spring.com/
Become a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/rossraddi
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Products I use to Grow Food: https://www.amazon.com/shop/rossraddi
Consulting Services: https://www.figboss.com/consulting

Other important links: 
The Fruit Talk! Podcast: https://anchor.fm/rossraddi
The Ever-expanding Fruit Growing Spreadsheet: https://goo.gl/X6ye9e
2018 Fig Variety Album: https://photos.app.goo.gl/a9MLNYaf3pqxNU7p9
2019 Fig Variety Album: https://photos.app.goo.gl/bSFfDZnVuwSeZ9Bi8

Zone 7A - Greater Philadelphia