How to Cut Back a Ficus Tree

* A sharp pair of pruning shears

* A lopper

* A saw

* A ladder (if necessary)

* Safety goggles

* Gloves

2. Prepare the tree. Water the tree thoroughly a few days before you plan to prune it. This will help to make the branches more pliable and less likely to break.

3. Remove any dead or damaged branches. Start by removing any branches that are dead, diseased, or damaged. These branches can pose a safety hazard and can also spread disease to the rest of the tree.

4. Thin the branches. Once you have removed all of the dead or damaged branches, you can begin to thin the tree. Thinning the branches will help to improve air circulation and light penetration, which can promote new growth. To thin the branches, simply remove any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other.

5. Shorten the branches. If the tree is too tall or wide, you can shorten the branches. To do this, simply cut back the branches to the desired length. When shortening the branches, be sure to make the cuts just above a leaf node. This will help to encourage new growth.

6. Clean up the tree. Once you are finished pruning the tree, clean up any debris that has fallen to the ground. This will help to prevent the spread of disease and will also make the tree look neater.

7. Water the tree. Water the tree thoroughly after you have finished pruning it. This will help to replace the moisture that was lost during pruning and will also help to promote new growth.

8. Fertilize the tree. Fertilize the tree according to the package directions. This will help to give the tree the nutrients it needs to grow strong and healthy.