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  Benjamin O'Neill October 9, 2012 at 11:17pm

  i would agree with stephen i have completely cut down a fig tree right back to a stump and its growing back !
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  Ofer El-hashahar October 9, 2012 at 11:31pm

  Hi William,

  I am glad that I live in the UK for over 5 years now , to understand how a fig can go banana ( good title)

  I have seen many trees that do not produce figs yet are nice trees.

  I think when planted in wet lawns they are not always produce fruits but if wish to try,

  You may need to cut some of the branches and try grafting a good variety on the cut branches.

  ( there is a chance that the lighting broke the tree under the grafted area ,what made it to split and grow lots of branches of the non productive variety.)

  Take Stephen advise regards the sap,it is bad one. ( long sleeves job ) .
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  Judi Samuels Garden Design December 8, 2012 at 1:37pm

  Hi William, I wonder if you could dig a deep ditch around the roots and add rubble, bricks and membrane to diminish root growth.. I have been working to the principle that Figs need their roots contained to encourage fruit growth rather than stem growth. It may well be too late of course now as it is so large and you may not wish to undertake such heavy work. Looks beautiful! I hope you do get figs in the near future.

  Judi.. :-)
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  Jonny December 12, 2012 at 10:17am

  Hi William, I'm not an expert but I would reduce and thin as with other fruit trees. That way it will increase your chances of getting fruit next year? Although saying that if there are no embryo figs on the tree there will be no fruit? Also are there squirrels in the garden as they love figs?

  The fig trees in my area (Devon) have not produced much fruit in the last 2 years because there has not been a great deal of fine weather and sun. That's why for fruit they are grown as fans on south facing walls. Hope this helps - Good luck
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  Kevin Barnett December 12, 2012 at 10:33pm

  Fig fruit grows one year ( green) then ripens the second year ( brown) however they are prone to cold and frost hence south facing walls - protection afforded. if no fruit consider that the cold has caused the fruit to drop prior to ripening.

  If pruning ensure correct timing and follow Dead, Diseased / dying, crossing branches first, and maintain an open shape. 
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  Paul Hermon - Green & Gorgeous December 13, 2012 at 7:35pm

  Figs usually respond well to a hard prune as long as its done over winter. Don't leave it too late or the cuts will bleed if the sap starts to rise early. I would prune 3 or 4 of the larger branches back really hard and then do the same next year with the reminder. Doing it in stages just reduces the risk of shocking the tree. We've done it a fair few times and never lost one yet! They can sulk & be slow to throw new shoots afterwards.
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  Kevin Barnett December 14, 2012 at 9:51am

  Willam 

  As Paul says above if your rejuvenating an over grown fig. it is important to follow the third rule i.e. consider doing over 2 - 3 years. ive attached below the advice from the RHS website which should help.

  Kevin

  www.gardencoaching.blogspot.com

   

  Open grown figs

  Aim for a balanced open crown that allows light into the centre of the canopy. Prune at three key times of the year:

  • Spring: remove any branches that spoil the shape, or which are crossing or damaged, along with any suckers appearing from the ground
  • Summer: pinch out the new growth at five or six leaves
  • Autumn: remove any large figs that have failed to ripen, but leave the pea-sized embryonic fruit

  If you inherit a fig that has not been planted to restrict the roots, the growth may be extremely leggy resulting in poor fruit. Overgrown plants can be rejuvenated by pruning out a number of branches over two or three years (in February), until a satisfactory shape has been achieved.

  Always leave 5cm (2in) long stubs when removing any