After a fig tree is established, the best time when to prune a fig tree will be in the dormant (winter) season when the tree is not growing. Begin your fig tree pruning by removing any branches that are not growing out from your selected fruiting wood, as well as any dead or diseased wood.

What month do you prune fig trees?

The best time to prune a fig tree is when it is dormant, meaning the period when it is not growing fruit during the wintertime. If you don't mind lack of fruit, the fig tree can be pruned later but only if the tree is strong, otherwise late pruning can weaken it.

How far back can you cut a fig tree?

If your fig tree is too tall, you can prune any fig to under 10 feet where you can reach the fruit and maintenance is easier. When the tree is left unpruned, the best fruit develops high in the sunny upper branches, where only lucky birds and squirrels have access to it.