Hi all , 

I have a very old ficus, I believe the tiger bark microcarpa? Alot of the growth at the top of the tree is very long , can I prune back to the hardwood and will this create back budding ?? Please see attached photos , any advice would help , also ... When is the best time to do this , I currently have it covered with a big clear bag to create some humidity while I keep it indoors over winter , the bag is only on over night , during the day I let it get air as we don't have the heating on as much as the evenings . 

Thanks