What to do With Fig Trees in Winter: How to Overwinter Fig Trees
Channel: Ross Raddi
Date: 2023-10-18

Winter protection is crucial for fig trees to ensure their survival and continued growth. 

For a companion guide to this video, check out the very detailed write-up on fig tree winterization on the Fig Boss blog, here: https://www.figboss.com/post/wrapping-fig-trees-for-the-winter-the-how-why

For fig trees grown in containers, it's vital to move them away from temperatures below 15° F, as exposure to about 10° F can damage the roots, potentially killing the tree. The storage environment should maintain a temperature above 15° F but below 50° F to prevent the trees from awakening prematurely. In colder zones, growers often transfer their potted figs indoors during the late fall or early winter to protect them.

For more on the winter storage of container fig trees, check out this article, here: https://www.figboss.com/post/winterizing-container-fig-trees-where-to-store-them-how-to-avoid-season-ending-setbacks

In-ground fig trees' hardiness varies by variety; while some can withstand temperatures as low as 0° F, many are safe only up to 5° F. To further shield these trees from cold, wrapping techniques can be employed. By gathering branches closely, wrapping them in insulative materials, and covering them with a tarp, the trees get an extra protective layer. Another method involves bending the branches to the ground, securing them, and covering them with insulating materials such as mulch or wood chips. For younger trees, a protective pen filled with leaves can offer insulation and protection.

Winter Protection Intro (00:00): 
Introduces the importance of winter protection for fig trees, emphasizing the potential risks of not properly overwintering them, including potential damage or loss.

Container Figs - Temperature Concerns (00:25): 
Highlights the need to move container figs away from temperatures below 15° F. If temperatures drop to around 10° F, the roots may be damaged, which could harm or kill the tree.

Storage Environment (01:25): 
Emphasizes the importance of the storage environment. Trees should be kept in a place above 15° F but below 50° F. If the environment is too warm, fig trees might wake up prematurely, leading to potential damage.

Timing of Moving Potted Figs (02:23): 
Recommends waiting until around Thanksgiving or even closer to Christmas (in zone 7A) to move potted figs to ensure they are properly dormant and to prevent early waking.

Inground Figs - Hardiness (02:54): 
Explains that while some fig tree varieties can survive temperatures as low as 0° F, many can handle up to 5° F. The wood of fig trees is generally hardier than the roots.

Wrapping & Insulation Techniques (03:25): 
Suggests methods to protect fig trees, such as tying branches closely together, wrapping them in insulative materials, and covering them with a tarp. The ground around the trees should also be insulated.

Bending Branches Technique (04:27): 
Describes an alternative protective method where branches are bent to the ground, secured with garden staples, and then covered with insulative materials like mulch or wood chips.

Young Trees Protection (04:57): 
Recommends using chicken wire to create a protective pen around young fig trees and filling it with leaves for insulation.

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