I am new to the forum and new to fig trees. I just purchased 2 trees and planted them. The place I got them from stated that I needed to water daily due to the heat in NC. I planted them 1 1/2 weeks ago and now some of the laves are turning brown and wilting. I have been trimming them off but wanted to post a couple of photos so that someone might know what I am doing wrong ir if this is mormal due to a change in location (I read that some trees loose 20% of the leaves when moved)I know this forum is on the west coast but any help would be great.
I don't think this is a problem. My figs always lose their leaves earlier than many other trees, and they do suffer a bit from transplant shock. So losing a few leaves right now is not a problem. Losing all of them right now would not be good because you need them to produce energy and food for the figs to send out roots. Losing all the leaves in a few weeks is likely, but the longer they stay green, the better. I hope these pics were taken right after you watered, and I mean immediately. You have what appears to be standing water around them and while your figs will need water to survive the heat, they also can not tolerate soggy soil. Third thing, and it may not apply to you: I understood that black figs or dark purple are really for the southwest and west, and not so good for us easterners because of the humidity. It may be that these figs won't do well for you, but someone who knows more than I do will have to tell you that.
The pictures from yesterday were after I had watered them. The nursey stated that we would have to have atleast five gallons of water on them a day. When I got home for lunch today I have lost more leaves and took these pictures to better show them. I just do not want to lose the trees, my wife has always wanted fig trees. Is there antything I can do to stop the loss of leaves, before it is to late? Could I be giving them too much water? How would I know. The tree still has figs if that is of any help. As you can tell I am new to this.
I agree with thanrose, it's time to back off on the water. Figs grow quite nicely in Israel, Egypt, Arizona IE hot and DRY. You will need to water once or twice a week in the absence of rain. Next year they should survive on rainfall alone.
