I partially defoliated this tree, I have decided to make the second branch (first on the right) the primary branch because that is the direction of the movement at the top of the tree.
Leaving foliage on this branch should promote faster growth and allow this to lengthen faster than the others.
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Hey gezz, Why have you not cut the left hand branch then ??? It will just suck up unneccessary energy that could go to thickening your new primary branch...
Hi Ant,
I did shorten that branch a little but the intention was to extend the other branch quickly. I like a nice wide canopy on figs.
There is a back branch on the lower right which I did not pay much attention to but I do not like the way it looks in the photo, it might come off.
Q: Why are we all here?
A: Because we are not all there.
Gerard wrote:Hi Ant,
I did shorten that branch a little but the intention was to extend the other branch quickly. I like a nice wide canopy on figs.
There is a back branch on the lower right which I did not pay much attention to but I do not like the way it looks in the photo, it might come off.
Ok mate i just thought that primary means first and main but i think i see what you mean
“Empty your mind, be formless, shapeless - like water. Now you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup, you put water into a bottle, it becomes the bottle, you put it in a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Now water can flow or it can crash. Be like water, my friend.”
Seems to be a popular consensus to lea the tree the other way, this is not "my vision" and the roots may be problematic but I will take a good look.
It may change
I might continue with my plans
Q: Why are we all here?
A: Because we are not all there.
I've been thinking about this tree for two days - it's well worth the thinking.
Here goes. For me, the twist in the trunk feels close to symmetrical - out to one side, then out to the other side the same distance - standing vertically, it shows. If it is tilted to either side, then it loses the symmetry. It feels more comfortable leaning left, something like a lightning bolt, whereas leaning to right it just feels a bit topple-over-ish.
When the trunk is vertical, both the low branches come out about the same length, and at nearly the same level - they make a strong horizontal line that jars at right angles to the trunk. If there is a fairly strong lean, and the low branch on the other side to the lean is cut quite a lot shorter, then the tree goes one way, and doesn't pull in two directions.
Of course, I'm only going on 2D photos, but I'd agree to lean left. Good fun to play with - most figs don't have a lot of movement in the trunk.
I am pleased with the progress of the right hand branch, I want it to extend a little more but the movement of the tree is now going where I want. Also a more suitable pot.
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Last edited by Gerard on July 19th, 2013, 12:29 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Q: Why are we all here?
A: Because we are not all there.
A great progression, this fig has come on in leaps and bounds since you started the thread. I do like where you fig is at now, the subtle adjustment to the planting angle has brought more balance to it.
Just took another look lifting the right edge of the pot a little. I think it will be a possibility next re- pot probably back to the original angle. The apex will be more rounded when it fills out a little.
Q: Why are we all here?
A: Because we are not all there.
, just cut em off! 
