Figs - Time to dig

[anthonyW]

Starting to take some figs out of the ground now,hopefully next season start...

This fig started as a one to one and half inch cutting like a few others I have in the ground back about 5 to 6 years ago if my memory serves me right.

To get width required I used very big sacrifices and I mean big 8 to 12 foot tall sacrifices with other hacks used up the trunk to build with smaller sizes and with a middle leader growing continuously up and down with cut backs to keep balance and taper,so basically a juggling act of energy if you like ...we keep the mid going up steady but heaps of power going into width and size.

Then once i cut off all sacrifices,I then use the main leader to form taper and shape.by continuously cutting back to appropriate shoots growing out and repeat.

Cheers Anthony

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[Kevin]

Hello Anthony,

Thanks for the information and progression.
Another great tree.
A question please:
Over the 5 - 6 years you are ground growing for trunk development, do you do any root work over these years?

Thanks,
Kevin

[anthonyW]

Good question Kevin,all ways feel free to ask questions ,that's what it is all about.

The tree was lifted about a good 5 weeks ago,now happy with its progress new leaves indicate that it is on its way...will start work on them next season

When I put them in the ground,i place a large dish under them,usually a quiche dish,stops tap roots and all roots radiate,well that is the plan,every couple of years I fire the spade down about a width and half of spade out from the trunk this smashes any over vigorous roots...only on a few occasions I have lifted if I see coiled rootage and so on,I will cut off or untangle...but generally no.

This fig had about half its roots removed so smaller pot to watch water is used,and we leave leafs on to help evaporate it(transpire) if you like.

In fact it was not watered as such for the first few weeks it was sprayed on the surface with just enough water to use what we call a capillary action to the roots also no fert what so ever..so there you go Kevin they are just like any other tree very vulnerable at times.

Anthony