Fig Tree Questions "Peters Honey" LOTS of die back :-(

Growing up I loved figs. So when I bought my first home, I went to HD and bought a fig tree. I didn't know anything about them and wasn't a gardener yet. They had one called "Peters Honey" and it sounded good so I got it. Wow did I ever luck out. They are the most wonderful figs I've ever tasted and I know I don't like several varieties anymore. There are even a few in the stores that I won't buy because I don't know if I'll like them and they cost so much I'm afraid they will disappoint me since I am so spoiled.
Anyway, now to the point. Last year we had a particularly bad year in our 10 year drought and temps to 105 for several weeks. It was terrible. But my fig tree produced so much fruit I could not eat it all, even with the birds and squirrels robbing me! I guess it thought it was dying and it had to give it all it had to make sure there were future generations. Anyway, I kept it watered as best as I could with our restrictions and it made it to this year.
This year when it leafed out I noticed that most of the branches had die back of about 18 to 24 inches. By that, I mean the ends were dead, but leaves did sprout and grow 18" to 24" down the branch. Other branches were simply dead all together. Plus, I probably had 15 figs, total. And the D*** squirrels and birds beat me to all but 2 of them! (They are so lucky I couldn't catch them)

Now I need to know how to prune it and help it along for next year.

I'm in upper, middle Georgia, right outside of Atlanta. Zone 7a. Our winters seem to be getting milder. I don't think the winter killed the ends of the branches, I think (think) it was the drought.

1. Do I cut back the Dead ends/tips? When? Now? Fall? Winter? Spring?
2. When do I cut off the totally dead branches?
3. Should I fertilize this fall? What kind of fertilizer?

As much as I hate the hassle, I think I might actually try to find a fig tree net (or whatever it's called) and protect and fruit I get next year. They are simply magnificent!

I REALLY appreciate your help. :-)

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Not a fig expert but I do remember that the shrub should be cut back to 3 - 5 main canes. (Cane's may not be the correct term) and to keep it well watered. Since you have had a good crop in the past it is not one of those figs that need another to be well pollinated. I know the one that I see at work (it is HUGE and we don't have the birds stealing but the night staff housekeeping!! (THE RATS!!) can be cut way back and still do fine.

I've never heard them referred to as shrubs, always trees. And I did see where someone cut there's TO THE GROUND due to storm damage, and it was full size again in 2 years! I guess because of a strong root system.

I just would like an expert to tell me what the best way to handle it is. I LOVE this tree!

Thanks for the insight though. ^_^

You are welcome. Wish I could offer more. I did remember something from when I planted our "Celeste" fig. It was phosphorus...choose a fertilizer with the highest number in the middle --but I can't remember if this was in response to a problem or for general care because overall it likes poor soil.
Figs are considered small trees or shrubs. The ones I've seen look more like shrubs than trees and that is why I call them shrubs. I also remember worrying about the propane line running nearby because fig roots an be real problematic - I read that to avoid problems from the roots and also from underground pests eating at the roots - to plant in a large wire basket. We didn't do that --no idea where to find a large wire basket.

Figs do NOT like a lot of water. Here in PHX it is over 100 degrees every day for months. I never water my fig and get lots of fruit.

Well, over watering is definately not my problem. Like I said we are in a 10 year drought. This year hasn't been as bad as last, but most of my other shrubs and plants are sure showing the stress. I've lost almost all of my hydrangeas. And only the toughest of my perennials are holding on.
Do you suggest I just cut back the dead wood this fall?

Fig trees can freeze back to the ground - so I don't see how cutting it back as much as you need to could hurt - especially since what you are cutting back is not viable.

Thanks!

I prune every winter after all the leaves fall. You can really hack it down - it'll pop up again.

I put in Celeste last evening (the bees were out so I took my chances at sundown and the mosquitos got me instead!) Figs can be grown in pots ---but mine sure looked puny so I put it in the ground. I have read when first planted give plenty of water. I was trying to learn about the roots....how aggressive etc., I figured if can go in a pot ..maybe not too bad. The site I have is about 6 feet from propane line underground.