Help. Fig tree is dying. Try to salvage or replace ?

[TheDogsMother]

We inherited a fig tree in our back garden which has always been a bit of a beast to control. We got a crop off it the first year but not since though I think this is down to me pruning at the wrong time. Branches have rubbed and now have rotted at the base. Bottom line we can save one branch and would have to hope it regrows from there OR do we use the opportunity for something showier and nicer looking. It's up against a south facing wall and would suit a pleached fruit tree of some sort but they don't have a lot of full foliage really. It's a relatively enclosed space with another wall to the left and steps to the right and it about 10 feet wide. It's the real focal point of the garden so wise Gardeners does anyone have any ideas ?

Figs are relatively easy from cuttings, even easier by air layering. Then you could dig out the old stuff and start again.

If you decide to plant something else, be aware that figs often have their roots restrained to improve fruiting, so before planting something else, dig around and make sure there’s not a buried container of some sort.

@MereDintofPandiculation Thank you for your advice, that's really helpful. I need to go and look up air layering. I have notice there are several small shoots in the ground around the tree so they seem to spring up fairly easily.

How I did mine: scratch the bark on the underside of a twig, wrap the twig in a handful of soil, wrap the soil in clingfilm to keep the soil moist and to secure it in place, wait till good strong roots can be seen through the clingfilm, sever the branch below and pot up the cutting.

Thank you @MereDintofPandiculation. This is so helpful.

I was thinking about your statement plant problem. It may be a bit bushy but I’m a big fan of Euphorbia mellifera. The species name is “honey bearer” and for a long period in Spring it fills the area around with the scent of honey. It’s evergreen, with a vaguely exotic look especially when it’s reached it’s max height of 2m

@MereDintofPandiculation Thank you. I love Euphorbias of every type so this is a great suggestion. Also being evergreen will mean it looks good through the winter and this is the main view from the kitchen. Full sun, wall height 2m and width 3m (I'm informed by DH). Great call.