Brown Turkey Fig Tree: Pruning Guide for a Bountiful Harvest

There was a massive Brown Turkey Fig Tree on the land when we moved to our present location in 2013. It’s unknown how old this fig tree is, but it was planted by my wife’s grandfather when he was a resident of the land. My guess is that its around 35-40 years old.

Big fig trees like this are pretty common here in south Georgia. Many people have them in their backyards because their grandparents or the previous property owners planted them. Theyre usually either the Brown Turkey or Celeste variety, because thats all that was sold locally years ago.

If older fig trees arent regularly pruned, they can drastically decline in fig production over time. We witnessed that first hand with our big Brown Turkey fig tree. When we first moved here, we were getting buckets and buckets of figs from this tree every year. But each year it produced fewer figs until this past year when we got hardly any from it.

As weve discussed in previous blogs, main crop figs are formed on new growth. If a tree isnt producing new growth, youre not likely to get any figs. This large fig tree had stopped growing except for a few tiny suckers near the base of the tree.

Gorgeous fig limbs weighed down the top of the tree, but they were withered, covered in lichen, and no longer produced new growth annually. This is how we knew we had a problem. Our Brown Turkey tree needed a serious haircut to get it back producing again.

Hey there, fig fanatics! Got a Brown Turkey fig tree in your backyard? Awesome! These sweet, juicy figs are a treat, but to keep your tree happy and productive, pruning is key. Don’t worry, it’s not rocket science, and this guide will show you exactly when and how to prune your Brown Turkey fig tree for the best results.

When to Prune Your Brown Turkey Fig Tree

Unlike some other fig varieties, Brown Turkey figs don’t require a ton of pruning. However, a little trim here and there can go a long way in promoting healthy growth and maximizing your fig harvest. The optimal time for pruning your Brown Turkey fig is during the dormant season, typically late winter or early spring. This is when the tree is resting and less susceptible to shock from pruning.

Why Prune Your Brown Turkey Fig Tree?

Pruning your Brown Turkey fig tree offers several benefits:

  • Promotes healthy growth: By removing dead, diseased, or crowded branches, you encourage new growth and a more robust tree.
  • Increases fruit production: Pruning helps to open up the canopy, allowing sunlight to reach all parts of the tree, which is crucial for fruit development.
  • Maintains tree shape: You can control the size and shape of your Brown Turkey fig tree by strategically pruning branches.
  • Prevents disease: Removing diseased branches helps to prevent the spread of disease throughout the tree.

How to Prune Your Brown Turkey Fig Tree

Here’s a step-by-step guide to pruning your Brown Turkey fig tree:

  1. Gather your tools: You’ll need sharp pruning shears or loppers, depending on the size of the branches you’ll be cutting.
  2. Identify what to prune: Start by removing any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. You should also remove any suckers, which are shoots that grow from the base of the tree.
  3. Thin out crowded branches: If your tree has branches that are growing too close together, thin them out to improve air circulation and sunlight penetration.
  4. Shape your tree: If desired, you can prune your Brown Turkey fig tree to a specific shape. For example, you might want to create a more open, vase-like shape to allow for easier harvesting.
  5. Make clean cuts: When pruning, make clean cuts at a 45-degree angle just above a bud or node. This will encourage new growth in the desired direction.

Additional Tips for Pruning Your Brown Turkey Fig Tree

  • Don’t over-prune: It’s better to err on the side of caution when pruning your Brown Turkey fig tree. You can always prune more later if needed.
  • Be careful with large branches: If you need to remove a large branch, make several smaller cuts to avoid damaging the tree.
  • Clean your tools: After pruning, disinfect your tools with rubbing alcohol to prevent the spread of disease.
  • Fertilize after pruning: After pruning, fertilize your Brown Turkey fig tree with a balanced fertilizer to promote new growth.

By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your Brown Turkey fig tree is healthy, productive, and looking its best.

Bonus Tip: If you’re new to fig tree pruning, it’s always a good idea to consult with a local arborist or gardening expert for advice specific to your region and tree. They can help you identify any potential problems and ensure that you’re pruning your tree correctly.

Happy pruning and enjoy those delicious Brown Turkey figs!

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There was a massive Brown Turkey Fig Tree on the land when we moved to our present location in 2013. It’s unknown how old this fig tree is, but it was planted by my wife’s grandfather when he was a resident of the land. My guess is that its around 35-40 years old.

Big fig trees like this are pretty common here in south Georgia. Many people have them in their backyards because their grandparents or the previous property owners planted them. Theyre usually either the Brown Turkey or Celeste variety, because thats all that was sold locally years ago.

If older fig trees arent regularly pruned, they can drastically decline in fig production over time. We witnessed that first hand with our big Brown Turkey fig tree. When we first moved here, we were getting buckets and buckets of figs from this tree every year. But each year it produced fewer figs until this past year when we got hardly any from it.

As weve discussed in previous blogs, main crop figs are formed on new growth. If a tree isnt producing new growth, youre not likely to get any figs. This large fig tree had stopped growing except for a few tiny suckers near the base of the tree.

Gorgeous fig limbs weighed down the top of the tree, but they were withered, covered in lichen, and no longer produced new growth annually. This is how we knew we had a problem. Our Brown Turkey tree needed a serious haircut to get it back producing again.

Saving a Huge Fig Tree

This is a common problem among new homeowners who “inherit” a fig tree planted by the previous homeowner. They dont know if they like figs or not. All they know is theres a large fig tree thats not giving them any figs.

Ive seen many cases where unknowing homeowners cut down these trees completely, and this is sad. If older fig trees are pruned severely, they can experience a kind of “revival” in which the tree is forced to begin producing more new growth every year. If you have a big fig tree that doesnt produce, dont scrap it!.

Ever Wonder How to Trim a Brown Turkey FIG TREE?

FAQ

Should you prune a Brown Turkey fig tree?

It’s still a good idea to prune it though – as well as keeping it well shaped, you’ll encourage new branches to grow and stimulate the production of fruit. If left to its own devices, the tree will put more energy into leafy growth, rather than producing good quality figs.

What month do you prune fig trees?

The best time to prune fig trees is in the winter, while the trees are dormant. Newly planted figs should be pruned after the tree’s first growing season, before a new flush of spring growth. Upwards of 50% of the first year’s growth can be trimmed off to create a stout, sturdy trunk.

How do you take care of brown turkey figs?

Grow figs in full sun in organically rich, well-drained, moist soils that are neutral to acidic. Figs do not tolerate alkaline soils. Light pruning each winter may be necessary to maintain an attractive shape. Mulch roots to maintain moisture and especially in the fall to protect them throughout the winter.

How long does it take a Brown Turkey fig tree to produce fruit?

The Brown Turkey fig tree has to grow for three to five years before bearing fruit for the first time. Since this tree will outlive you (most Brown Turkey fig trees have a lifespan of about 200 years), you only have to worry about buying and planting this tree once.

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