I have a 10-15 yr old black fig tree which was given to me a couple of years ago and with a little guidance actually got it to produce about 300 figs last year, to which about half shriveled up and fell of for whatever reason. I classified it as a good year but was still researching how to maintain a healthy tree. I have it in a 22" wide by 20" deep rain barrel and bring it in the garage in the winter so it will not freeze. This spring I was told to cut out the roots around the base of the tree and replace the soil with something that has a little more nutrients in it, like sheep manure to promote new root growth. So...... in a 22" radius barrel with the tree smack dab in the middle, with a 3.5" trunk, I proceeded to cut the roots and remove the dirt. I cut about 4" in from the perimeter and about 1' down like I was told. This left about 5-6" around the tree and the remainder of the depth untouched. My concern is that nothing has happened to the tree since I did this. The tree seems to still be alive because if I remove a piece of bark at the end of a limb I see water forming so I figure it still must be living. I did see it starting to bud about 2 1/2 months ago but it never did amount to much. They kind of just stopped growing and it has been about 2 months now. The buds are still there and when I break them open they are full of water too. I am really concerned that I shocked the tree by cutting the roots too much. At this point I am at a loss what to do. I do not want to loos this beautiful tree. Any help on what to do from this point would be greatly appreciated. I am also not sure what to do in the winter if it should make it till then. Do I put it back in the garage or in the house where it is warmer? Thanks for the help in advance, Jeff.
