I go for aesthetics and practicality first. Cut out those low branches that
get in the way during mowing or harvesting. Either cut them all the way back
or get rid of any that droop or hang downward from a main limb. Thin out
any branches that are crossing or are just too dense. Look at how much you
cut out then go with the 1/3 principle of not prunning more than a third of
the total tree at any one time. More than that can harm the tree as well as
lead to increased production of suckers from the trunk and roots and
decreased fruit production.
While you neighbor is right that it will grow back even if you cut it to a
stump, you will be fighting many years to get the growth back under control
and waiting for the next good crop.
Gary

"Brandon" wrote in message
...
Hi,

We have a 30 year old Brown Turkey Fig and it's time for a pruning.
It's reaching about 12'high and 16'wide. We've not cut it back
since moving into the house 5 years ago, but I'm expecting the previous
owners did from time to time. So my question is would you recommend a
radical pruning or just 3'-4' all around? It produces wonderful fruit
so I'm a little nervous about doing a radical cutting, but our neighbor
says go ahead and whack it back and it'll grow right back.
So before getting out the hand saw I wanted to get some other opinions.

Thanks!

Brandon
http://www.hostaplants.com