How to Winterize Fig Trees
Fig trees grow best in climates like that of the Mediterranean, but they can also grow in cooler climates. Most fig trees are hardy down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Any temperature dip below that and parts of the tree will die from cold injury. However, even quick temperatures fluctuations above 20 degrees will injure the plant. For these reasons, it is important to winterize your fig tree whether it is young or old. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Stop watering and fertilizing in late fall. This will harden off the tree for the winter. If it is a young tree with lots of vegetative growth do not fertilize at all. A vigorous, growing tree is most susceptible to winter injury.
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2
Build a mound of pine straw or dirt around the base of the plant. This will protect the lower parts of the plant and the roots from frost damage.
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Construct a cage of chicken wire around the fig tree. Wrap the chicken wire in a circle around the tree, keeping it away from the trunk. Fasten the ends together with cable ties. Stack these cages one on top of another. For small figs, attempt to surround the entire tree. On larger trees, stack the cages as high as you can to protect as much of the trunk as possible.
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Stuff leaves into the cages, providing insulation for the fig. On small trees, cover the top with plastic to prevent moisture from entering. Fasten the plastic to the chicken wire cage with more cable ties.
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Remove the cage, leaves and mulch as soon as the last frost date has passed. Keeping it on for too long can promote the growth of mold on the tree.
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Tips & Warnings
Consider planting a hardier cultivar in cooler regions. Magnolia is hardy down to 5 degrees Fahrenheit, while Celeste is hardy down to 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Other cultivars will be more susceptible to frost injury.
Wear thick gloves while working with the chicken wire as it can be sharp.
References
- Photo Credit fig-tree at the lake image by Rainer Schmittchen from Fotolia.com
