Winter Protection of Fig Trees - Uncovering in the Spring
Channel: Ross Raddi
Date: 2023-02-27

Fig Tree Care During the Winter - Fig trees are known to be hardy plants, but they require proper winter protection to thrive in zones 6 and 7. One of my favorite methods of winter protection involves bending the branches of fig trees close to the ground and staking them with garden staples or bamboo. After the branches are along the ground, I cover them with mulch or other insulative materials.

Why does this work? Read the full article here: https://www.figboss.com/post/fig-tree-winter-protection-uncovered-when-is-the-right-time-to-uncover-a-fig-tree

When the branches are low to the ground, they are closer to the earth, which is a source of heat. If you have a heat source, the only left to do is insulate it. Woodchips, straw, and leaves are great insulative materials that are easy to find. What I like about this method is that it offers a more efficient alternative to wrapping fig trees for winter protection.

Introduction 0:00
Introduction and overview of winter protection of fig trees. An explanation of how the branches were bent close to the ground and stapled to the soil with garden staples, and then covered with wood chips.
Local Conditions 1:02 
Discussion of the mild winter weather in the Philadelphia area, and the potential dangers of wood chips covering the trunks of trees in warm and moist conditions.
The Cut & Cover Method 2:05 
Explanation of the previous method of winter protection, the "cut and cover method," and why it was not successful in providing sufficient protection.
Results 3:32 
Demonstration of the results of the winter protection method, including examples of healthy branches and rot damage, and the importance of protecting the entire branch to prevent damage.
Improving the Method for Next Season 7:03 
Explanation of future plans to improve the protection method by using a tarp and bending thicker branches.
Low Tunnels 9:09 
Discussion of the potential benefits of keeping buds intact for higher quality and earlier fruit, and the use of low tunnels to achieve early ripening by staking taller branches with bamboo.

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Zone 7A - Greater Philadelphia