Fig trees are a large group of evergreen and deciduous trees, from the edible common fig (Ficus carica) to giant native species like the Moreton Bay fig and Port Jackson fig. Backyard growers in Sydney usually want the common fig for fruit, while the big natives belong in parks and very large properties.
This guide explains what each type looks like, where to plant it, how to care for it, and when to call a licensed arborist.
Key points
- The common fig (Ficus carica, also called anjeer) stays small enough for a backyard, while Moreton Bay and Port Jackson figs become very large trees (indicative — check the nursery label for mature size).
- All fig trees want full sun and well-drained soil, and most fruiting types need a warm, sheltered position.
- Maintenance is moderate: winter pruning, mulching and regular watering while young.
- The main watch-out is aggressive roots, so keep large figs well away from pipes, paving and house footings.
Fig trees at a glance
| Feature | Common fig (Ficus carica) |
|---|---|
| Type | Deciduous fruiting tree; introduced, not native |
| Mature size | A medium tree that can be kept smaller with pruning (indicative — check the nursery label) |
| Sun | Full sun; warm, sheltered spots give the best fruit |
| Soil | Well-drained loam; tolerates poorer soil if it doesn’t stay wet |
| Water | Regular while young and while fruiting, then moderate |
| Frost tolerance | Dormant in winter and fairly hardy (indicative — protect young trees in cold pockets) |
| Fruiting season | Summer to autumn (indicative — timing varies by variety and season) |
| Roots | Vigorous and spreading; plant away from pipes and paving |
Types of fig trees in Australia
People often mix up the backyard fig with the huge park and street figs, so it helps to know which is which.
| Type | Also called | Size | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ficus carica | Common fig, anjeer, ficus carica tree | Medium tree (indicative) | Backyard fruit, espalier, large pots |
| Ficus macrophylla | Moreton Bay fig, Moreton fig, Morton Bay figs (a common misspelling) | Very large, wide-spreading (indicative) | Parks and large estates only |
| Ficus rubiginosa | Port Jackson fig, rusty fig | Large, but smaller than Moreton Bay (indicative) | Big gardens and shade trees |
| Ficus benjamina | Benjamin fig tree, weeping fig | Medium to large outdoors (indicative) | Indoor plant; risky in small yards |
| Fruiting varieties | Brown Turkey, White Adriatic, Black Genoa | Check the label | Home orchards |
What does a fig tree look like?
The shape, leaves and trunk tell you which type you are looking at.
- Common fig trees have large, lobed, rough-textured leaves, a smooth grey trunk and a spreading, rounded crown that drops its leaves in winter.
- Moreton Bay fig trees have big, glossy, dark green oval leaves, a massive buttressed trunk and hanging aerial roots.
- Port Jackson fig trees have smaller, thick leaves with rusty-brown undersides and a wide, dense crown on a heavily ribbed trunk.
- Benjamin fig trees have small, glossy, pointed leaves on weeping branches and a pale, smooth trunk.
- The fruit is a fig, a pear-shaped or round structure that ripens from green to purple, brown or yellow depending on the variety.
- Broken stems and leaves release a milky sap that can irritate skin, so wear gloves and eye protection when you prune.
Where to plant fig trees in Sydney
- Choose a sunny, sheltered north or north-east spot, because fig trees ripen fruit best with warmth and a few hours of full sun.
- Plant the common fig well away from pipes, drains and paving, since fig roots search hard for water and can lift slabs.
- Improve heavy clay in western Sydney with organic matter and a slightly raised bed so the roots don’t sit wet.
- Grow common figs in a large pot or against a sunny wall if space is tight, which also restricts size and roots.
- Keep fruiting fig trees away from paths and clothes lines, as ripe fruit drops and attracts birds and bats.
- Never plant Moreton Bay or Port Jackson figs in a suburban backyard, because mature roots and limbs can damage buildings.
How to plant fig trees
- Plant a bare-root fig in late winter, or a potted fig in autumn or spring, when soil is workable and heat is mild.
- Soak a potted tree in a bucket until bubbles stop, then let it drain for a few minutes.
- Dig a hole about twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth (indicative — check the plant label).
- Loosen circling roots gently, then set the tree so the soil level matches the top of the root ball.
- Backfill with the existing soil and firm lightly, then build a low soil ring to hold water.
- Water in slowly, following the Sydney Water Wise Guidelines: before 10 am or after 4 pm using a trigger nozzle.
- Mulch with coarse bark, keeping it clear of the trunk, and cut the main stem back to a sensible height if your nursery advises it.
Caring for fig trees
| Task | When | How |
|---|---|---|
| Watering | Spring to autumn, especially while fruiting | Water deeply before 10 am or after 4 pm; drip irrigation can run between 10 am and 4 pm. |
| Feeding | Early spring | Use a slow-release fruit tree fertiliser, applied exactly as the label directs. |
| Mulching | Autumn and spring | Top up coarse mulch to hold moisture and suppress weeds. |
| Pruning | Winter, while dormant | Cut back to keep the tree at a manageable height and open the centre. |
| Fruit protection | Late summer | Net the tree before fruit ripens to keep birds and bats out. |
| Pest watch | Summer | For fruit fly or scale, book a licensed pest controller. |
Pruning fig trees
- Prune common figs in winter while the tree is bare, which is easier on the plant and lets you see the structure.
- Remove dead, crossing and weak branches first, then cut back strong shoots to keep the tree open and the fruit within reach.
- Wear gloves and eye protection, because the milky sap can irritate skin and eyes.
- Keep common figs low enough to prune from the ground or a stable step ladder, and don’t climb with a saw.
- Check your council’s tree rules before pruning or removing any large or protected fig, including Moreton Bay and Port Jackson figs.
- Book a qualified arborist for any work above head height, near power lines or on a large tree.
Common fig tree problems
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Fruit drops before ripening | Irregular watering or too little sun | Water evenly through fruiting and move pots to a sunnier spot. |
| No fruit | Too much shade, too much nitrogen or heavy pruning | Increase sun, ease off fertiliser and prune lightly. |
| Yellow leaves in summer | Waterlogging or nutrient shortage | Improve drainage and feed in spring following the label. |
| Maggots or stung fruit | Fruit fly | Book a licensed pest controller and remove fallen fruit. |
| Lifted paving or blocked drains | Invasive roots from a large fig | Get an arborist’s advice; book a licensed plumber for drains. |
Cost of large fig trees: pruning and removal in Sydney
Large figs are a job for insured arborists and often need council approval. Prices include GST (October 2026).
| Job | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tree pruning or trimming (per tree) | $230 | $520 | $1,375 |
| Small tree removal (under 5 m) | $290 | $575 | $920 |
| Medium tree removal (5–10 m) | $920 | $1,725 | $2,875 |
| Large tree removal (10–20 m) | $2,300 | $4,025 | $5,750 |
| Extra-large tree removal (20 m+) | $5,200 | $7,450 | $17,250 |
FAQ: fig tree questions
What does a fig tree look like?
A common fig has large, lobed, rough leaves, a smooth grey trunk and a spreading crown that is bare in winter. Moreton Bay figs have glossy oval leaves and a huge buttressed trunk. All produce fig fruit that ripens from green to purple, brown or yellow.
Is a Moreton Bay fig the same as a Port Jackson fig?
No. Both are large native figs, but the Moreton Bay fig has bigger glossy leaves and a more massive buttressed trunk. The Port Jackson fig has smaller leaves with rusty undersides. Both are far too large for most suburban yards.
Can I remove a Moreton Bay fig from my yard?
Not without checking first. Most Sydney councils require approval to remove or significantly prune large trees, and big figs are often protected. Contact your council, then book a qualified arborist to do the work safely.
Are fig trees good for backyards?
The common fig is, if you give it sun and room, and you prune it each winter. Avoid planting Moreton Bay, Port Jackson or Benjamin figs near buildings, pipes and boundaries, because their roots can damage structures.
Getting your fig trees looked after in Sydney
If your fig trees need shaping, mulching or a winter prune, we can book a visit that suits your schedule. Read our pruning guide for timing, or book tree pruning in Sydney. A Sydney gardener typically charges AUD 52–115 per hour (typical 75), including GST.
