Regular pruning is essential to ensure a healthy and productive fig tree. Fig trees (Ficus carica) thrive in USDA hardiness zones 8 through 10, though they can also grow in colder areas with ...

Severe pruning — a.k.a. "coat racking" — is never good for ficus and other evergreen trees, but pruning during high heat is even worse.

Pruning a ficus is really pretty easy. You need to cut the plant back while still retaining its natural shape. Most ficus grow with a vase-shaped bottom and a spreading, rounded, umbrella-like top.

How to Prune a Young Fig Tree Pruning young fig trees is essential for establishing their overall shape, especially if you're growing them in pots, says Sideman.