PRUNE: When completely dormant, every December or January. Prune to remove dead, dying, diseased and crossing branches and head back to desired size. Figs frequently set two crops of fruit: one in early summer on last year’s growth and one in late summer on current season’s growth.

White and brown figs require heavy annual pruning and produce their best fruit on current season’s wood. Branches produced during the last summer should be cut back heavily during the dormant period. Cut back to two bud spurs.

Black figs produce fruit on wood that is one year old and older. Winter pruning should only thin out any interfering or rubbing branches and keep the top evenly spaced.

SPRAY: After pruning in December or January. Dormant spray in December or January after pruning with Master Nursery Pest Fighter Year-Round Spray Oil.

FERTILIZE: Use Master Nursery Fruit Tree & Vine Food twice a year, around Memorial Day and Labor Day. If you prefer organic fertilizers, use Dr. Earth Fruit Tree Fertilizer two to three weeks earlier. Water in well after application. If trees show vigorous growth, no fertilizer is necessary.

WATER: At planting, construct a soil basin at the dripline of the tree. As the tree matures, extend the basin to the span of the dripline. Flood weekly during the first year and then at 2 to 4 week intervals when the tree is mature. If a drip system is used, place hosing along the tree’s dripline with emitters on 18 inch centers. This system will also need to be adjusted as the dripline expands. Both of these methods are preferable to sprinklers, since they reduce water splash, a common byway of fungal spores. If sprinklers must be used, adjust heads so they angle water low and away from the trunk. Keep in mind that a large, mature tree may consume up to 200 gallons of water a week in July and August.

OTHER COMMENTS: Fig trees are seldom troubled by insects or diseases. However, if you do note unusual symptoms, bring several leaf and twig samples to Wegman’s Nursery for evaluation.