High Density Fig Trees: The Pros and Cons of Planting Fig Trees 2 ft on Center

The video provides an update on a high-density fig tree planting experiment in Philadelphia, detailing the challenges and techniques involved in managing fig trees planted 2 feet apart. The speaker explains the drawbacks of heavy pruning and emphasizes the importance of maintaining hormonal balance for optimal fruit production. Despite the difficulties, such as competition for sunlight and harvesting issues, the speaker finds this method feasible with proper expertise and tree management.

To read more about planting fig trees, check out my detailed guide on the Fig Boss blog: https://www.figboss.com/post/planting

Experiment Background (0:01):
120 fig trees planted 2 feet apart, started seven years ago.

Five Plots (0:39):
Description of the five plots on different sides of the property.

Most Advanced Plot (0:47):
Features of the most advanced plot with 35-40 fig trees.

Initial Pruning Strategy (1:11):
Original plan to cut trees back heavily every season.

Change in Pruning Strategy (1:45):
Heavy pruning reduced productivity; trees now pruned less.

Hormonal Balance (2:17):
Importance of maintaining tree hormones for fruit set.

Tree Maturity (3:22):
Trees now entering third to fifth growing seasons with minimal winter damage.

Plot Configuration (3:53):
Trees planted 2 feet apart in five rows.

Management Challenges (4:37):
Difficulty managing and harvesting in high-density planting.

Recommended Spacing (5:10):
Suggested spacing of 4-6 feet between trees.

Pruning Knowledge (5:46):
Importance of understanding pruning and tree training techniques.

Unified Plot Concept (6:23):
Viewing the dense planting as a single organism for easier management.

Height Management (6:55):
Need for future heavy-duty pruning to control tree height.

Tree vs. Bush Form (7:30):
Preference for bush form in colder climates for easier propagation.

Dual Purpose Plot (8:07):
Plot provides both fruit harvest and cuttings for sale.

Nutrient Competition Myth (8:48):
No significant nutrient competition; focus on sunlight.

Soil and Mulch (10:00):
Benefits of mulch for soil improvement and nutrient addition.

Harvesting Difficulty (10:35):
Challenges in reaching fruits as trees grow taller.

Ladder Requirement (11:15):
Potential need for a ladder to harvest from taller trees.

Thinning Cuts (11:58):
Thinning cuts and height reduction to manage tree growth.

Pros and Cons Summary (12:29):
High-density planting feasible with expertise and limited space

Check out the very informative Fig Boss website & blog: https://www.figboss.com/
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Other important links:
The Fruit Talk! Podcast: https://anchor.fm/rossraddi
The Ever-expanding Fruit Growing Spreadsheet: https://goo.gl/X6ye9e
2018 Fig Variety Album: https://photos.app.goo.gl/a9MLNYaf3pq...
2019 Fig Variety Album: https://photos.app.goo.gl/bSFfDZnVuwS...

Zone 7A - Greater Philadelphia