Figs Figs 1. Often figs freeze to the ground in the winter. The regrowth is lush and vigorous and often the bush is growing too vegetatively to mature the fruit.
Figs are also shallow rooted and easily stressed which can hinder ripening.
Mulching and regular watering should help. Certain unadapted varieties will never mature the fruit regardless of the management program. Spray when the first leaves on the tree reach full size with second spray in 3 to 4 weeks. Be sure to get good leaf coverage with spray. Those birds have keen eyes and know exactly when the figs are ripe.