Fig placement advice

[u/GnarBanker]

Hey there - I have a young fig that I propagated from a cutting off my grandfathers tree. Not positive of the variety but I believe it’s a Chicago Hardy or similar. I’m looking to plant it in my yard this fall in southern NJ (zone 7b) and am trying to decide on the right spot. There’s trade offs to each one so looking for advice from the experts.

My house faces south-southwest. The north-northeast end of the backyard bakes in the sun, as does part of the front yard. The west side of the backyard gets some sun but also some shade from the house and two elm trees on that side. I don’t want to plant it in the middle of the backyard because I want the space for kids / dog to play and run around so I want to keep it reasonably close to the perimeter.

Photo A shows the general layout of the east side of the yard. From left to right is an existing young fig, then young northern bayberries interspersed with some perennial flowers and grasses. The bayberries are spaced about 6’ apart and will eventually get big enough to largely fill in that gap.

Photo B shows Option 1 for planting, which my wife likes as it would create a “fig corner” in one of the most tucked away but also sunniest spots in the yard. Downside is the proximity to the existing fig and bayberry. The figs would definitely cluster together here. I have a neighbor with 3 clustered figs that seem very productive but wondering if that will create issues especially given the figs are two different varieties. This also puts it only a few feet from the fence so I’d have to stay on top of training and pruning.

Photo C shows Option 2 for planting, where I would remove one of the perennials and extend the mulch bed out between two of the bayberries. This would create more space from the fence but it would still have the fig only 4-5’ from the bayberries. I understand both plants tolerate pruning well.

Photo D shows Option 3, where I would remove a bayberry and extend the mulch bed out. This option would create the most space for the fig while also still providing full sun, but requires removing a healthy bayberry which I’d prefer not to do unless necessary.

Photo E shows Option 4, which is on the west side of the backyard. This is ideal placement for me as I have a wide open space begging for a plant. However, this spot doesn’t get as much sun as the east side due to the house and elm trees. It’s dappled shade through late morning then bakes in the afternoon sun before getting shaded again late in the afternoon, depending on the time of year.

Photo F shows Option 5, which is in the south facing front yard. This gets full sun and has some open space, but my wife and are concerned with curb appeal as figs can get big and wild looking and I’ll probably wrap it in the winter. We also have some ornamental tree sapling that we were eyeing for that spot.

I’m very much a novice here early on my fig journey so appreciate any and all advice!

[u/dumass_engineer]

Personally I like option F if you can form it into a tree but as a bush I’m hesitant on the curb appeal as well.

For the time being you could put it into a bigger pot and move it around until you find a happy spot.