Fig trees have distinctive root formations.
Many gardeners value fig trees for their hardy nature, attractive appearance and the figs they produce each season. Growing a fig as a canopy tree requires some effort by the gardener to ensure that the tree receives enough nutrients, correct pruning and the right amount of sunlight throughout its life. Fig trees that receive proper care from the time they are saplings can grow into lush canopy trees. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Choose a site for your fig sapling that's at least 10 feet away from other trees, in an area where it will receive full sunlight throughout the day. Figs are tropical plants and require light and warmth.
2. Dig a hole with your shovel that is as deep and twice as wide as the fig sapling's root ball. This will prevent damage to the tree when you plant it.
3. Turn over the soil inside the hole. Mix in a balanced fertilizer to add nutrients to the growing area and help the tree maintain its health.
4. Place the fig sapling in the hole and make sure it is standing straight. Fill the hole with soil, covering the roots. Tamp down the soil gently around the tree, creating a slight slope away from the trunk to avoid pooling water.
5. Water the ground around the tree immediately. Cover the soil with mulch, but keep the mulch from touching the trunk of the tree, as trapped moisture can encourage the growth of harmful fungi.
6. Water your fig tree once a week -- more often if the soil dries quickly. Fig trees need regular watering to grow properly.
7. Prune the fig tree after it has grown for a full season, using pruning shears or loppers. Trim the tree in the spring before new growth starts, after the danger of frost is past. Remove all dead or diseased branches, which can impede the tree's growth, make it sick or spread disease to other trees and plants.
8. Prune each branch at a 45-degree angle to the nearest adjoining branch or the trunk. Angled cuts promote new growth and limit the injury to the tree.
9. Prune branches from the lower portion of the fig tree to keep the trunk elongated and help the tree develop its canopy shape.
10. Prune smaller branches from the top portion of the tree to allow sunlight to penetrate to the lower branches of the fig.
11. Prune the tree annually in the same manner until it reaches maturity. Perform maintenance pruning on a fully mature tree to remove damaged and diseased branches.
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