Fig Trees

Question from Debbie:

I purchased a home this year which has a few very large ignored fig trees (12 feet or so). I am not sure which variety they are. The figs appeared to stay greenish color, not turning to brown as my other little ones which produce so well. The trees fruit was all taken by the birds since too tall for me to put bird netting on them. I need to prune them way down but do not know how much I can take off them without damaging them. I would like to bring them down to 6 ft so I am able to reach; this would mean topping them severely. What do you suggest?

Since they have been so neglected I need a suggestion for a good organic fertilizer and when to do this…

Answer from Pat:

Twelve feet tall is not unusual for fig trees, since they grow to 15 feet in height. One can use a 3-legged orchard ladder to reach fruit. However, fig trees can be kept lower if pruned more like a bush early in life. To lower an existing tree, prune in winter progressively over a period of three to five years, removing unwanted branches down to a crotch: ie: a side branch. Don’t leave any stubs. If you take off too much at once (i.e.: more than 20% of foliage) you risk creating a flush of growth that will defeat your purpose. Such extra growth will be created at the expense of fruit. Avoid fertilizing with nitrogen, which can promote growth and lack of fruit. Applying bone meal and Sul-Po-Mag (phosphorus and potassium) after pruning can aid in root growth and fruit production. Scratch into ground and water in, cover with mulch. Do not dig under fig trees. This will damage surface roots.