Remove all weak, diseased or dead limbs each dormant season. Irrigation Give special attention to soil moisture management in fig culture. Most fig tree roots are close to the soil surface and can easily dry out. Figs are very susceptible to soil-borne nematodes that feed on small roots and reduce water movement into the tree. For these reasons, apply water to the trees as drought develops.
Slight leaf wilting in the afternoon is a good indication of water stress.
Mulching with straw or grass clippings helps maintain uniform soil moisture and reduces weed competition for available soil water. Water stress frequently causes premature fruit drop of Texas fig varieties which do not have true seeds. This problem is very common in hot dry areas when the fig tree is grown in shallow soil and roots are nematode infested. Do not overwater in areas of poor drainage. This forces oxygen out of the soil and the tree is injured or killed.