So, I have defoliated - please have a look

[kcpoole]

No Worries ADO and as it is a fig, it will develop fast anyway

There are many different ways to achieve the same result, and many different ways to develop a tree

Ken

[ADO]

Cheers Ken.

Yep, you are right. I am sure which ever way I go, it will grow well and maybe become a good tree. in the meantime I will use your virt to design the upper/lower branches and choose a new leader, not far from the initial one. I'll post up photos of my progress.
cheers again
Adrian

[Stewart_Toowoomba]

Hi Ken,
thanks a lot for you excellent picture and clarification. Unfortunately I stupidly and unkowlingly lopped off the very leader you alluded too (see picture below). dont ask how The lesson I have learned is to leave lopping branches off until a plan is hatched and you are sure!!

anyway, I have tried to salvage the situation by showing where I made the mistake and also an alternative leader just a bit further down. I have made a quick virt with the new leader. Unfortunately its not as slanted as the one I lopped off but can I wire it and make that the new leader???

again, thanks Ken + everyone else - i am learning a lot and keen to learn more!

fix up.JPG

mistake.jpg

Oh man - don't feel bad about this.... it is a rite of passage and a good reminder for the addage .... think twice and cut once.... At least you'll get heaps of new shoots from the regrowth.

There is no one right answer to shaping and wiring, there are often many paths within the one tree. You have good people giving good advice. Remember that it is your tree and go with your gut feeling and desire. Figs are very forgiving anf you'll get good growth in this growing season and the next one.