[fletch]

When clearing my allotment a month or so ago, I found a small fig tree! It was smothered in long grass and is about 3ft x 2ft. more of a shrub really.
It has 4 figs on it and is doing reasonably well now it has some room and sun. However it is in totally the wrong place, planted up against a chain link fence which keeps ripping its leaves.
When would be a good time to move it? I was thinking early autumn but know nothing about figs.
Thanks
Fletch

[splodger]

march is the usual time to plant figs - but with this weather - hard to tell what we are going to get next - trees and plants must be very confused too  

figs are often grown as fans - against a south facing wall - so that is where you should consider moving it to

figs need alot of sunshine - for the figs to ripen - and it is common for fruit to take two summer seasons to ripen here in the uk

i don't think your fruit will ripen this year - so i don't think that you would have a problem moving in the autumn (feels like that now!)

pm me if you would like more advice on figs

[Trillium]

However, if you wish to keep the fig as a tree, it should be moved in late autumn after all foliage has died back. Fig trees don't mind some root pruning as you dig, in fact, it encourages better fruiting. Just ask any Italian fig tree growers. For a small tree, dig about 15" ( 35cm) from the trunk all around, and a bit more in depth. Gently rock the tree to loosen any missed roots, and with help, pull it up and into your new spot. Figs must have lots of sun or they won't fruit, and good soil is a bonus. Keep the new spot well weeded.
If winter frosts are a threat, the tree can be partly dug up and pushed over into a deep trench to one side, covered with soil, then protective insulation and plastic held down with bricks. I don't know your climate, but it's something to consider now that your tree will be away from protective cover of other trees.

[Simon123]

I bought a fig tree on leaving the RM a few years ago.  Didn't know much about them but always enjoyed the fruit when out in the middle east.  We planted it against a wall facing east and it has taken well to its location.  However, after planting it I read a newspaper article that said they are better 'starved' of water with the roots kept compacted.  Admittedly this one is against a wall but no other known restraint on the roots a\nd the soil is pH rich.

This year (2007) with very heavy rain, I've counted about 85 figs.  The tree is only about 5 years old.  Amazing considering most of Britain has suffered some form of flooding or another.  Any tips on the pruning would be useful (the newspaper didn't emphasise that bit).

[Aunt Sally]

That's true the love the sun and need to have their roots restricted making them good for growing in containers  

[splodger]

I bought a fig tree on leaving the RM a few years ago.  Didn't know much about them but always enjoyed the fruit when out in the middle east.  We planted it against a wall facing east and it has taken well to its location.  However, after planting it I read a newspaper article that said they are better 'starved' of water with the roots kept compacted.  Admittedly this one is against a wall but no other known restraint on the roots a\nd the soil is pH rich.

This year (2007) with very heavy rain, I've counted about 85 figs.  The tree is only about 5 years old.  Amazing considering most of Britain has suffered some form of flooding or another.  Any tips on the pruning would be useful (the newspaper didn't emphasise that bit).

what shape is it / do you want?

has it been pruned - to be at it's best it ought to be pruned as a fan - or bush - what have you done with yours?

i can't advise on pruning until i know the shape - and what you have done to it thus far.

i'd guess if it against a wall - then it's fan - but what have you cut out of it so far - how is it trained?

can you post a picture - then i can give you specific advice on pruning that particular fig.

[Simon123]

You are right - it is fan shaped (more because it is planted against an old wall I think).  There seem to be three main branches coming out of the base; one in particular is very low to the ground.  I'm not too concerned about cultivating it into a particular shape, just really so I can keep it healthy and optimise the best fruit.  This has been a very good year:  first crop was excellent - second crop produced much smaller figs but still a good quantity.  It's variety is the popular 'ficus brown turkey'.

[Contadino]

Fig trees don't mind some root pruning as you dig, in fact, it encourages better fruiting. Just ask any Italian fig tree growers.

Er, sorry to disagree.  Figs here are grown in rocky, thin soil.  It encourages the roots to go deep and handle the summer droughts better.  I wouldn't attempt moving any of my fig trees without access to an escavator (and that would likely kill them.)

My advice would be to play the long game.  Prune the tree to grow in height.  After a couple of years, whips should appear around the base.  Take these, with root sections, and plant where you want.  When you're sure they're established, take the old tree out.

I really don't like buying trees, but that's your other option.