I've had my fig tree in the ground for the past couple of years and it's done very well. My question has to do with when it's ok to wrap it. Do I have to wait for all the leaves to drop before doing so? Typically I do, but ths year the weather has been a bit unpredictable and I'd hate for a frost to hit and lose the tree. I'm in zone 7a I think (Long Island, NY). Thanks Jeff
It depends what kind of fig tree you have. If it is a fig tree where 'Brabra' is the main crop which grows on previous years wood i.e. the fruit buds are developed on previous year's growth then you have to protect it against the frost and let it go to dormancy at temperatures not below freezing. However, if it is a fig tree where it is the 'main crop' that one care for which grows on the new growth and ripens late then the frost would not damage the plant unless the temperatures go below to 20F~15F depending on fig type. As far as Zone 5 is concerned, potted figs are already going into dormancy and shedding leaves and it is about time to take them inside to a cooler dark place in the basement or any other place that will not go down below freezing (though a couple of degrees below freezing will not cause harm).
Thank you. That was very informative. My tree is a Mission Fig and seems to meet the second description you gave, so I assume I'm safe waiting for the leaves to fall before covering it. The temps have been getting down only into the low 30's the past few days, so I guess I'm safe for now. Thanks again.
