How to notch a fig tree - Pruning technique to stimulate branch growth

You might have heard of the term "notching" before, but you more than likely have not and we don't know why. Notching is a 'pruning' technique that allows you to generate strategically placed branches where you previously had none. This can be used to lower the trunk to hard prune in winter, or it can be used to increase the structure of the tree.

To find out what this notched tree looks like now please see this video -    • How to notch a fig tree - Detailed explana...  

All in all, if you learn how to notch a fig tree or any other tree for that matter, then you would have added a really beneficial and functional technique into your bag of tricks.

Instructions on how to notch a fig tree:

Note: Make sure your tools are clean and disinfected before using this technique as to not spread any disease, bacteria or virus.

1. Identify a dormant bud or node. You do not want a use a bud that is already swelling, green or leafing out.

2. Make a 45 degree angled cut roughly 1cm long/deep that starts 2cm above the node

3. Make sure you cut deep enough to get through ALL of the cambium and into the inner wood

4. Once your 45-degree cut is roughly 1cm long/deep then make a straight cut where your 45-degree cut ends to create the 'notch.

5. Leave the plant as is. No treatments of the notch is required.

Video timeline:

0.00.00 - Video intro
0.00.37 - What is notching
0.55.27 - Overview of how notching works
02:15:00 - Step by step guide on how to notch a fig tree