A guide to choosing Fig and Mulberry trees

Fig Trees

Fig trees are not grafted and their vigour is therefore not determined by the choice of rootstock. In UK conditions they can be rather vigorous. Restriction of their roots by lining the planting hole with slabs or planting in containers helps to keep the tree smaller and more productive. They can either be grown fan trained against a wall or in the open. A south or west facing wall is required for fan training. This has the advantage that the tree would benefit from the warm conditions against the wall. Grown in the open fig trees naturally have a bushy growth habit and a tendency to produce shoots from their base to create a multi-stem structure. They can be grown with a single clear trunk by appropriate training and removing new shoots from the base.

We supply our trees in three possible forms: fan trained trees, straight leader and bush trained trees. Fan trained fig trees have two main arms starting at almost ground level and further lateral branches developing from each arm. Straight leader trees have the leader or main stem left uncut. These are suitable for forms with a clear trunk but can also be used to create a multi-stem structure by cutting back the leader and allowing shoots to develop from the base. We usually have both one and two year straight leader trees. The one year trees are usually about 60cm (2ft) in height and have no branches. Two year trees 1.3m (4ft) in height and may have some branches depending on variety. Bush trained trees have had their centre leader cut at just above ground level. These are best suited to training in a multi-stem form.

Mulberry Trees

Mulberry trees are easy to grow and require little attention and minimal pruning. It is also self-fertile and a single tree will crop on its own. They grow best in a well drained soil and a sunny sheltered position. They are very slow growing but will grow into quite large trees over time. The trees we supply are usually about 1.8m (6ft) in height when supplied and can be expected to start producing fruit about 3 years after planting.