italian fig trees | ficus carica

With winter just around the corner, it seemed like a good time to bring back a look at how we’ve wrapped fig trees for winter.
(If you still have questions, please send Al an email, or give us a call.)

Step 1: Tree cut back, ready for wrapping. NOTE: the support poles in the corners of the bed remain year-round, so that the roots weren’t damaged by adding supports later.

Step 1 for wrapping trees for winter.

Step 2: We cover that with a layer of old foam insulation, topped with an old flannel bedsheet.

Wrapping tree for winter, step 2

Step 3:Wooden top laid over, to prevent accumulation of moisture or sagging.

Wrapping tree, step 3

Step 4: Old carpeting wrapped around the tree’s various layers, to provide extra protection. Old carpeting is great stuff.

Wrapping tree, step 4

Step 5:Plastic is the final layer, to keep moisture out. This should only be done on top of the insulation layer, so moisture isn’t trapped inside the tree wrapper.

Step 5: finishing with a plastic cover

Questions? Give us a call. Happy Autumn!

We are going to be at the Flemington Farmers Market this coming Sunday, July 20th, 2008, from 9 until Noon. We are looking forward to meeting you there.

Since it’s fruiting season, this email from our files is especially relevant. Anyone who’s ever seen ants happily crawling in and out of their ripening fruit knows how irritating this is.

Albert writes:

Dear Italian fig trees,

Ants are attacking my figs as they ripen. What can I do? Any help will be appreciated.

Albert

Dear Albert,

Try “Tree Tanglefoot”* to trap the ants before they get to the figs.

Al

(* “Tree Tanglefoot” is an organic sticky compound of castor oil and natural waxes, that you apply as a barrier ring to keep climbing pests from getting access. It’s widely available.)

A recent email question, sent in by Lisa

I WANTED TO KNOW WHEN IS THE BEST PLACE TO MOVE & PLANT A FIG TREE, FROM ONE PLACE TO ANOTHER, & THE RIGHT WAY TO DO IT. THANK YOU

LISA

Hi Lisa:

The only good time to move a fig tree is when it is dormant. The best time for you would be very early in the spring, when the tree is still in the dormant stage. Dig a hole in advance in the spot you have chosen to move it to, try to get as much of the roots as possible, and plant the tree as soon as possible.

All this is assuming that the tree is relatively small. A large tree can only be safely moved by a professional.

Al