Jef and I have had an ongoing debate over the pruning of the fig tree in our back yard. Last year he said he wanted to cut it back by at least half and and I panicked. I love that tree. Even before I knew what it was, I loved the shape and unique leaves. I’d done enough reading to feign expert and was convinced he was going to cut too much and kill it. We had one of the worst fights we’ve had in years over it. Isn’t that always the way? It seems so stupid now. In the end he threw up his hands and agreed not to touch it.

Now, a year later, the tree is not only horribly overgrown because of all the rain, it now has “leaf rust” and numerous pests. I can’t seem to control either because every time I spray, it’s washed away by more rain.

We finally decided to cut it back last weekend and besides the rust, the tree looks amazing. It has a shape, it’s no longer growing over the neighbors fence, and can actually breath. I think it will take another season before it’s totally healthy again, it just can’t handle all this rain. But it was definitely a step in the right direction.

To close the loop on this debate, as if I hadn’t already learned my lesson on being stubborn, Jef had a terrible allergic reaction to the “fig latex” that is inside the branches and leaves and had to see a doctor. He has patches of what looks like poison ivy on his arms, chest and back. Thankfully, he keeps reminding me that it’s all my fault.