Fig trees and a NY winter

[LIsa]

I was wondering if anyone could tell me how to wrap up a fig tree for the winter...for example, when to do it, what to use, how to do it...or if I even have to do it...?? Thanks!

[Judi Zaremba]

Lisa:

I live in NJ, and in a town that is mostly Italian, there are tons of fig trees growing around here, I have one and plan on wrapping it this year too. It stands about 6'5". What I see everyone doing is first loosely gathering and tie tree to condense it and tie together with twine (just to make the next step easier), than buy a role of the ground covering that you put down before you put mulch (you know to stop weeds from growing through) wrap the tree securely and duck tape it were needed, you could also bed this around the trunk too. put a big black garbage bag on top like a little hat, lol. Than get a blue tarp, they're thick and water proof, and wrap it in that too, duck tape or tie to secure it. Than kiss it good night, lol. As far as when, use your instinct, I would say about the time you decide to wear gloves outside would be a hint.

[Maxine Walker]

Maybe a bit simpler would be to, after tying it up with twine, to get some bubblewrap from a mailing supply store, the larger bubbles, and wrap the tree with this. The air is excellent insulation against the cold. Snow is insulation against the ground freezing also but if really cold and dry a six inch straw mulch would probably protect the roots from freezing. When the leaves fall the tree is going dormant so could be wrapped after that. Mine has been in a 15 inch pot for 2 years so I have the advange of moving it to a more protected spot in the winter. If you wanted to do this, when it goes dormant it could be dug up, root pruned and put in a pot with good soil. I would only add - the fertilization I mentioned that that I got from the Royal Horticultural Society post by Ian is even more important when they are in pots.The bubblewrap should go around the pot too so roots don't freeze. As I posted, it's not as tall as yours Lisa and has 33 figs ripening now.

[Judi Zaremba]

Thanks Maxine, I wish I could dig it up and pot it but I think that I would be afraid I would kill it, I'm not that skilled. I would hate to have to live with that guilt. I read other previous notes about the straw, they say it invites rodents, What about packing peanuts, wrapped in plastic bags and wrapped around the trunk like a scarf?

[Maxine Walker]

An excellent way to find a use fpr those pesky peanuts that fly all over - could do the whole tree if you had enough. I wouldn't think a small patch of straw even though thick would be warm enough for mice but go by those who have had experience with this. Landscaping bark could be used too. Don't ever doubt your ability to come up with your own innovative ideas!

[Judi Zaremba]

I like the straw idea, I'll probably end up going with it in the long run, it seems to be the easy, quick way to keep the roots warm. Mulch is a great idea too. Even if it does attract mice, at least they'll have a toasty little place to warm up. I'll just keep an eye out for it & them.

[LIsa]

Hi ladies!

I actually used leaves last year to cover the base of the tree (Lord knows, there are enough of them around here)...if they began to blow off, I had a pile of them stored between one of my sheds and the fence, and I would take some from there and replace them. I actually have about 15-20 figs growing on the tree as of now, and I've never fed it once, or fertilized it...same for my grapevine, I have about 10-12 bunches of grapes growing and ripening, and have never fed or fertilized that, either! I guess I should try--the plants would probably be even more productive, lol!!

[Judi Zaremba]

Lisa, did you read what I wrote to you earlier how to wrap your tree? I think it may give you a good base of how to start. Leaves are a great idea & earth friendly! Good thinking!

[Maxine Walker]

I think the difference in needing fertilizer is if the fig is in a pot, roots confined can't forage for food. Same with me, never have fertilized the in-ground grapevine and it's doing great.

[LIsa]

I had posted this last year in the fall, so I had a winter with my tree already...I basically wrapped it in burlap first, then covered it with tar paper (very similar to the covering that prevents the weeds, I imagine?). I thought the tree had died, because it didn't sprout any leaves, but then it finally did. I had to cut off the old growth. The man I bought the tree from has a HUGE fig tree on his nursery/home property, but I don't foresee mine becoming that big...it seems content to stay sort of "bush-like" for now! I like the idea of the big, black garbage bag on top instead of the bucket that I used (that seemed to have bent the tree over)...I also like the bubble-wrap idea! Thanks, Ladies!

[Judi Zaremba]

Glad to help you and the fig tree. Just from this chat I got a few good ideas too! There's a HUGE fig tree a few blocks away from me too. I mean, Lisa, it's the size of a REGULAR TREE! It is gorgeous!!! Looking at that one makes me think I planted mine too close to my patio and am going to have a problem in years to come.

Love the picture of you and your garden. I have to take on of mine to show everyone. Well take care & good luck growing, LOL.!