Pruning Suggestions - Vasilika Mavra

I have one like that. I trim it even all around and it produces a ton of fruit within arms reach. I'll leave about 2 feet of lignified wood on all trunks.
 
@"bushdoctor82"#14 if it was your tree would you do tree form with scaffolds or bush form?
 
@shaft - I have trees in both shapes, but I like the look of a tree shape more than a bush shape. It’ll just come down to personal preference as they’ll both be productive.

@ Shaft - let me clarify. 

I prefer a tree shape to a bush shape. However, in this instance, where a bush shape has already been developed, I’d let it ride. The trees I have that are in this shape started as single trunk then died back to ground or close to the ground. At that point I just let them grow in a bush shape.
 
You can keep a fig tree in "tree fom" as long as it doesnt die back to the ground. If it does it will grow back as a bush.
 
I don't anticipate this one dying to the ground. When dormant,would you put it in tree form? It's a two year old tree.
 
Personally I like tree form\single trunk.
But at that point I may have to leave some of those for maximum fruitage! :)
 
@"Shaft"#118 first off I can't believe that is just a two-year tree. What are you feeding them bunny Poo? LOL I'm still waiting for my gardening partner to look at your fertilizers.

Now to the thread. I favor @"Figology"#21 , and @"TorontoJoe"#1 methods of pruning. I think TJ's picture is the most perfect open tree vase shape I have seen. BTW what variety is that Joe?
 
Yeah @"TorontoJoe"#1 I think this is exactly what I want TBH with you. I have read tons about the difference between tree form and bush form and TBH I don't know much more than I did when I stated

I think tree form is prettier. From what I read bush form is better for cuttings.

Which is healthier for the tree and the fruit? I am not sure.

I'd love to know more about this phenomenon.

I've noticed some trees I have seem to prefer bush type and others are less insistent.


@"Figless"#18 So I went back and checked my notes. I lied, and I'm sorry.

I obtained it in fall of 2021, so it is 3 years old. However, I planted it in Fall of 2022, so it's two years in ground. That's where I got mixed up.

As you'll see from the red arrows, I have 3 nitrogen fixing trees (1 redbud, 2 mimosas) in the immediate vicinity. These fix nitrogen (the mimosas do, there's some debate regarding redbud) and provide some of that nitrogen to surrounding plants. I also give these trees my blended compost. That is guinea pig manure, chicken manure, cow manure, rabbit manure, worm castings and mushroom compost, and it only received that because it was in the potting mix. I may have peed on it a few times. A lot of my trees are getting huge. I think a huge portion of that is also the thickkkkkkk wood chips. 

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I go that way more often than not for a few reasons... Yes, it looks nice for sure. For production and maintenance, I think it's easier to manage and access everything you need on the tree. climbing insect pests can be easier to manage.... things like ants... because they only have one trunk to climb... and I've been to other orchards... they consider things like light penetration and how densely they can be packed. 

Back in the old country, wild figs are obviously all over the place, but anything cultivated is open vase or modified central leader.... Although I think the MCL is more used on olive trees.... Could be incorrect on the second one...
 
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