trunk fusing ficus natalensis

[peterb]

Hi All
This is my latest little project, 2 years ago I took some cuttings off my ficus natalensis and several struck . So far I've given a few away and ended up with these 3 and after 2 years they grew tall but not fattening up and then I read that they are slow to thicken , so I bound them together to try fuse them into one trunk. Can anyone see anything I should have done further
cheers
Peterb

[Akhi]

When I was fusing my trident maple this winter, I also took off a thin layer of the bark where the three whips mee. As they healed during the spring and summer the new callus helped to fuse sooner

[peterb]

Thanks Akhi , being ficus I only did them 1-2 weeks ago . Do you think I should open them up and cut the bark
Cheers
Peterb

[bodhidharma]

Thanks Akhi , being ficus I only did them 1-2 weeks ago . Do you think I should open them up and cut the bark
Cheers
Peterb

I would also have peeled the cambium and reckon it is not to late to do it now. They fuse better that way.

[peterb]

Thanks bodhidharma , I'll do that in the next day or so. Appreciate the feedback
Cheers Peterb
Peterb

[shibui]

Trees with bark removed will fuse quicker than when you leave the bark on but in my experience, figs, at least F. rubiginosa, will happily fuse with the bark on.
More than one of the experienced Melbourne growers have suggested that if you leave 2 figs in the same room too long they will join together

[Rintar]

How did this go how does it look now