By Cjocton
United Kingdom 
I have a fig tree. I am keen to prune it and get it under control, how much pruning can it stand? My temptation is to take my long handled chainsaw to it. However that probably shows I am in desperate need of some good advice. Please see the photo
17 Nov, 2016
Better a keyhole saw than a chainsaw, Cjocton. It is badly overcrowded, at present. After the structure is simplified--think "candelabra"--cut the longer branches back by no more than a third, always to a shorter side branch, without leaving stubs. Be sure to leave plenty of new twig tips, since this is where next year's fruit will grow.
17 Nov, 2016