When we moved to our current property in 2013, there was a huge Brown Turkey Fig Tree already on the property. This fig tree was planted by my wifes grandfather when he lived on the property, but theres no telling how old it is. 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 big fig tree had stopped producing much new growth besides some small suckers at the base of the tree.
The top of the tree was loaded with beautiful fig limbs, but they were stagnant, full of lichen, and no longer generating new growth each year. This is how we knew we had a problem. Our Brown Turkey tree needed a serious haircut to get it back producing again.
Pruning is an essential task for any fig tree, but it’s especially important for the popular Brown Turkey cultivar. Proper pruning encourages new growth, improves fruit production, and maintains a healthy structure. Follow these tips to prune your Brown Turkey fig tree like a pro.
Why Pruning is Crucial
Pruning a fig tree might seem intimidating but it’s easier than you think. Here’s why it’s so important
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Promotes new growth – Figs form on new wood, Pruning stimulates new shoot growth for future crops
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Improves fruiting – Well-pruned trees produce better quality fruits. Pruning optimizes sunlight and airflow exposure.
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Removes dead branches – Eliminate dead or diseased limbs to prevent disease spread.
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Manages size – Keep your tree a reasonable size for your space by pruning.
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Rejuvenates old trees – Significant pruning can revive older, unproductive trees.
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Maintains shape – Pruning controls shape and structural integrity
When to Prune Your Brown Turkey
Timing is everything when it comes to pruning. For Brown Turkey fig trees, aim to prune in late winter or early spring when the tree is dormant.
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Colder regions: Prune in early spring after the last frost.
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Warm climates: Late winter pruning is ideal before new growth emerges.
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Avoid early pruning in cold areas, as this can lead to frost damage on fresh cuts.
Pruning in winter allows you to see the branching structure clearly. It also gives the tree time to recover before spring growth.
How Often to Prune
For mature Brown Turkey figs, an annual pruning is sufficient to maintain health and encourage fruit production. Focus on removing dead or diseased branches, crisscrossing branches, suckers, and any limbs hindering fruit development.
Younger trees may need more frequent pruning to establish a strong framework. Prune twice a year, in early spring and midsummer. Remove any wayward branches and train main scaffold branches.
Drastic rejuvenation pruning can be done every 3-5 years on mature trees if their vigor declines. This stimulates significant new growth.
What to Prune
Not all pruning is created equal. Make every cut with purpose to maximize health and fruiting. Here’s what to prune:
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Dead, damaged, or diseased branches – These provide entry points for pests and diseases.
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Narrow crotch angles – Wide angles add structural integrity. Narrow branches are weaker.
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Crossing/rubbing branches – These can damage bark and impair growth.
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Downward-growing limbs – Remove these to encourage upright growth habit.
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Congested interior branches – Improve airflow and light penetration by thinning inward growth.
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Suckers – Prune these vigorous vertical shoots that sprout from the base or roots.
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Overlong branches – Shorten branches that extend well past the main canopy.
Pruning Techniques
Use proper technique when pruning your Brown Turkey fig to avoid damage and disease.
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Always use clean, sharp bypass hand pruners or loppers. Dull tools crush stems, damaging the tree.
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Cut just above outward facing buds or branches. This encourages growth in the desired direction.
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Avoid leaving branch stubs, which can dieback or become diseased.
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Use the three-cut method on thicker branches to prevent bark ripping.
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Paint large wound areas with tree sealant to deter pest/disease entry.
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Sterilize tools before/after use with rubbing alcohol or bleach solution.
Rejuvenation Pruning for Neglected Trees
If your Brown Turkey fig tree looks overgrown and unproductive, rejuvenation pruning is the solution. This extensive pruning stimulates new vigorous growth and can revive declining trees.
Here are the steps:
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Prune in late winter when the tree is dormant.
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Remove all dead, damaged and crossing branches.
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Select several evenly spaced main branches to form a new scaffold structure.
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Cut back remaining main branches by 1/3 to promote new shoots.
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Remove all other growth not part of the new scaffold structure.
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Provide extra care like water and fertilizer after drastic pruning.
Within one growing season, you should see regrowth. The full transition can take 1-2 years, but the renewed vigor and fruiting is worth it!
Special Pruning Methods
Certain pruning methods optimize fruit production in Brown Turkey fig trees:
Cordon System: Trains the fig as a single trunk close to a wall with short fruiting side branches. This increases light exposure.
Espalier: Similar to cordon training, but forms horizontal tiers of branches against a support. Ideal for maximizing fruits in small spaces.
Bush System: Prune to create an open-centered bush shape with no central trunk. Promotes accessibility and air circulation.
Key Pruning Tips
Keep these pointers in mind when tackling your Brown Turkey fig tree:
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Disinfect pruning tools before and after.
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Prune lightly in early years to establish framework.
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Remove suckers and inward facing branches regularly.
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Retain some older wood for the breba fruit crop.
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Find the right balance between promoting growth and maximizing fruiting.
Learning how to properly prune your Brown Turkey fig ensures you reap the rewards of a bountiful harvest season after season. A strategic pruning regimen tailored to this variety keeps trees healthy, improves fruit production, and renews old plants. Just remember to prune at the right time using proper techniques. Your Brown Turkey fig will thank you!
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. Older fig trees can have a “revival” of sorts if pruned aggressively, forcing the tree to start adding more new growth each year. If you have a big fig tree that doesnt produce, dont scrap it!
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When we moved to our current property in 2013, there was a huge Brown Turkey Fig Tree already on the property. This fig tree was planted by my wifes grandfather when he lived on the property, but theres no telling how old it is. 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 big fig tree had stopped producing much new growth besides some small suckers at the base of the tree.
The top of the tree was loaded with beautiful fig limbs, but they were stagnant, full of lichen, and no longer generating new growth each year. This is how we knew we had a problem. Our Brown Turkey tree needed a serious haircut to get it back producing again.
How to Prune Fig Trees for BIG Harvests
FAQ
Do brown turkey figs need to be pruned?
You won’t need to prune your brown turkey fig tree, but you can shape it to promote air circulation and encourage new growth. In the winter, remove dead, dying, or crowded branches, and prune according to the size and shape you desire.May 2, 2025
What month do you prune fig trees?
The best time to prune these fruit producing plants 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 long does it take a brown turkey fig tree to produce fruit?
A Brown Turkey fig tree typically takes 3 to 5 years to produce fruit after planting.
How to treat brown spots on brown turkey fig leaves?
Start with a homebrew of baking soda and soap, escalating to copper fungicides if these spots prove stubborn. Remember, it’s not just about the treatment; it’s about changing the conditions that invited these pests. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overwatering to keep the fungus from feeling at home.