How to Get a Full Ficus Hedge
Ficus is ideal if you want a full hedge right away, but unless you are prepared for constant pruning, it is not always the easiest. Many ficus species, including the popular Ficus benjamina, grow very quickly, as they are technically trees, not bushes. Such plants are appropriate if you'd like a large privacy screen or border. Ficus will usually naturally grow into a full form, depending on the species, but should be pruned to keep it a consistent height or to produce a full, neat look. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Select a ficus species that is appropriate for your landscaping needs. Ficus benjamina, a popular species for hedges, will ultimately grow into a large tree and may become scraggly and overgrown if not pruned every month. Ficus microcarpa, on the other hand, grows to 6 feet and has a compact form that is easy to maintain. Similarly, the Green Island variety is a low spreading hedge and also requires little pruning. Ficus retusa var. nitida grows into an upright form, rather than the weeping form of many other ficus species.
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Prune long branches back to their juncture to smaller branches. Train and shape at an early age to promote full shape. By pruning the branches back while the shrub is young, you can encourage lateral branching which will lead to a fuller hedge. Ficus trees are easily pruned to any desired shape, including round, compact, neat hedges or topiary figures.
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Trim the ficus so the base is wider than the top, allowing more sunlight into the hedge and resulting in a fuller, even plant. Otherwise, the base of the ficus may become sparse.
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Remove dead or damaged branches to promote a full, even shape.
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Tips & Warnings
Ficus benjamina, the weeping fig, will naturally grow into a full, drooping shape if not pruned. Hedges of this species can grow as high as to 30 to 40 feet.
Ficus is ideal as a large entry way, privacy hedge, accent or topiary.
Some species of ficus, including the weeping fig, can have invasive root systems. If not pruned heavily, these plants can invade nearby structures and grow tall enough to conflict with power lines and become a storm risk.
Avoid planting long rows of one species, but try interspersing different species among your hedge to avert the insect infestations that often accompany ficus hedges.
