Don't Let Your Fig Tree Die this Winter

Summary

In this informative video, Ross, the Fig Boss, shares essential tips for preparing fig trees for winter storage. He emphasizes the importance of allowing trees to fully defoliate and go dormant before bringing them indoors, highlighting common mistakes that can lead to premature awakening. Ross discusses the differences in care for potted versus in-ground trees, stressing the need for protection of young trees during their first winter. He also provides practical advice on pruning to encourage growth and maintaining appropriate storage temperatures. This comprehensive guide ensures your fig trees thrive come spring.

Takeaways

• 🌳 Start winter preparation for fig trees when they begin to lose their leaves; wait until they're truly dormant.
• 💧 Avoid putting fig trees into winter storage too soon to prevent premature waking before the last frost.
• 🪴 Monitor weather forecasts for temperatures below 15°F before moving potted trees indoors.
• 🌱 Understand that inground and potted trees may have different winter protection needs based on their growth stage.
• ❄️ Trees that are not well-lignified are more vulnerable to cold damage; older, lignified branches are hardier.
• 🌡️ If you live in colder zones, protect young fig trees during their first winter regardless of conditions.
• 🔪 Prune newly planted fig trees to encourage growth the following year, enhancing their hardiness.
• 🍂 Use mulch for potted trees before storing them to maintain moisture and prevent premature waking.
• 🏠 Store potted figs in environments that stay between 15°F and 50°F to avoid waking them too early.
• 👍 Engage with the community through likes and subscriptions for more fig care advice and content.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of Ross's video?

The video focuses on preparing fig trees for winter storage and care.

Why is it important to wait until fig trees are fully dormant before moving them indoors?

If moved too soon, trees can wake up prematurely, leading to damage from frost.

What temperature should trigger the move of potted fig trees indoors?

Potted fig trees should be moved indoors when temperatures drop below 15°F.

What precautions should be taken for young or newly planted fig trees?

Young trees should be protected, possibly by bending them to the ground and covering them with mulch or leaves.

How can you tell if a fig tree branch is well lignified?

A well lignified branch will appear brown and firm, indicating it can withstand colder temperatures.

What are some signs that a fig tree is not fully dormant?

Trees still bearing leaves or showing green, soft branches are not fully dormant.

What should you do with potted fig trees before storing them for winter?

Water them well and apply a thick layer of mulch to retain moisture.

What is the ideal storage environment for potted fig trees during winter?

Potted trees should be stored in a cool, dark place with temperatures between 15°F and 50°F.

What common mistake do fig growers make during winter preparation?

A common mistake is moving trees into storage before they are fully dormant.

How does pruning affect fig tree growth in the following year?

Pruning encourages more growth in the following year, especially when done correctly.