Single leader vs. Bush form considerations with spacing

[Wildcat97]

My fellow figgers I would really appreciate some guidance on bush form vs. Single leader form or both mixed. I’m going in ground with Im figuring 6 foot spacing in October. Let me know your thoughts or even just first few years and then prune to desired shape?
thanks!

[It Could use another day]

Ease of picking bush>tree, aesthetically appealing tree>Bush. There's not much difference, but if you in a colder climate a bush is your best bet.

[It Could use another day]

With only a 6ft space between the trees a tree form would make walking around easier, however they would still grow into each other.

[Red_Sun]

@Wildcat97

You need to let people know what state/region you are located.

There are a lot of things to consider with fig tree spacing. Naturally fig can grow to 8' around in North (zone 6) unprotected and can grow more than double the size in Texas, Florida and California. Some growers grow fig into a hedge. Orchards need more spacing for tractors etc. Just give you some ideas.

[Achilles]

It’s all about space. I don’t let any of my trees, fig or other get above 8ft and for figs specifically, I only allow 3 cordons with no center trunk. I have 3ft spacing and have planted for density and variety, not fruit volume. Additionally, I have figs that I’ve espaliered for a different type of density growing.

Think about the space you have, the care the tree will need and it’s requirements. The shape will come out of these factors.

[Wildcat97]

Red_Sun Zone 9 Phoenix Arizona

[Wildcat97]

Achilles would it be possible to share a pic of your spacing? Thanks!

[Achilles]

For the espaliered trees? Or the 3 cordoned trees?

[Wildcat97]

Achilles wouod love to see both honestly

[Achilles]

I’ll try to post tomorrow

[Wildcat97]

Awesome thank you!

[Rewton]

I'm in the mid-atlantic and grow about 60 trees in-ground with various spacing. The tightest I have tried is 8 feet spacing. The first few years I had significant winter die-back and the trees were not crowding each other. However, the last 2 winters have been mild and the rows with 8 ft spacing are pretty much like a hedge at this point. I will be doing some extensive pruning in March.

Anyway, to answer your question, with 6 feet spacing you will either want to grow them as single trunk or maybe 2-3 trunks that come up relatively vertically. Here's a tree that actually has 3 trunks (one is partially hidden in the photo). I think this configuration would work but you would need to keep it pruned. The easiest approach is to aim for single trunks unless the tree as it is developing has 2-3 vertical trunks. Any trunks that come out at a wide angle would need to be removed, especially if project toward a neighboring tree.

[Wildcat97]

Great pics appreciate everyone’s help!