When to Uncover Fig Tree in 7a?

W

wyanokie

Active member
Sorry to ask a question that is such old news to more experienced folks, but it's my first go around with an in-ground fig tree. I covered it pretty well for the winter, and now we're starting to get some warmer temps come in.

I've read conflicting advice on when to uncover the tree, I've read that they should be uncovered in mid-March and not kept covered any longer than necessary to prevent mold, etc., and I've also read that they should be uncovered in mid-May after the danger of frost has passed. The latter seems counterintuitive because many people don't even cover their trees after a few years of lignification, so I assume that the protection is only needed for the worst of the cold/wind/desiccating elements.

For the record, my tree is a Pananas Purple (a historically cold-hardy Mt. Etna type) and I'd like to uncover it asap to get it some sunlight and fresh air, but don't want to hurt the chances of a ripened crop either.

Thanks for any help you can offer!
 
I’ll be uncovering my trees on the 15th. Looking at the forecast, I should be clear of freezes after that. I’ll delay unwrapping if the long term forecast changes over the next 10 days.

I believe the debate boils down to the risk vs reward of uncovering early. If the temperatures are hovering around 60s during the day and 40s at night, there may not be such a great reward uncovering early, but a sudden frost can kill breba crop and new growth and set you back a bit. Keep a tarp handy if those situations arise.

I opened up my trees the other weekend for a few hours and all looked good - no mold and green buds.
 
@wyanokie

Please don't ever feel the need to apologize for any question you might have. Indeed we have members with with loads of experience... and one of the reasons they're here is to share that experience. The discussion benefits everyone. The answers you got above are all somewhat different.... and all correct.

Personally... I uncover my trees pretty early. I don't wait until temps are consistently above freezing. I roll the dice a bit, knowing that if I don't have any green growth on the tree, it will be fine well below freezing. I'd rather it got busy waking up... and perhaps need some protection on a cold night if needed.
 

Here is a video that goes into this exact topic and he’s in zone 7 too.
We dont do much covering here so far.
We will next winter.
In the research I have done it seems like you have two options.
One uncover early before any possible warming can wake it up and let it wake up naturally.
Or two use the cover to wake it up early but you have to protect it until it’s past risk of frost damage.
 
wyanokie said:
Thank you all for your help! I uncovered it today to check it, and it did survive the very cold and rather long winter that we had here in NJ. Now I dream of getting ripe figs from it!
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Did you check and recover or uncover for good?

I was extremely close to saying “f” it and remove the coverings for good on two trees, but wound up just letting them vent for the day. My 10-day forecast is only showing a low of 39 F for one night. I’m going to stick to my plan on removing covers next weekend if the forecast still looks favorable.
 
bushdoctor82 said:
Did you check and recover or uncover for good?

I was extremely close to saying “f” it and remove the coverings for good on two trees, but wound up just letting them vent for the day. My 10-day forecast is only showing a low of 39 F for one night. I’m going to stick to my plan on removing covers next weekend if the forecast still looks favorable.
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I uncovered for good. I figured since it's a Mt. Etna type (reputed to be cold hardy) and it hasn't leafed out yet, it would be okay. Do you think I should be concerned about desiccation with the wind?
 
wyanokie said:
I uncovered for good. I figured since it's a Mt. Etna type (reputed to be cold hardy) and it hasn't leafed out yet, it would be okay. Do you think I should be concerned about desiccation with the wind?
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If your tree is dormant, then you should be fine, however this has only been my second winter wrapping trees and third winter having inground trees. I elected not to uncover yet because my trees all have green tips and buds swelling. I moved my potted trees out of the garage to the driveway as they’re still dormant.
 
bushdoctor82 said:
If your tree is dormant, then you should be fine, however this has only been my second winter wrapping trees and third winter having inground trees. I elected not to uncover yet because my trees all have green tips and buds swelling. I moved my potted trees out of the garage to the driveway as they’re still dormant.
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Okay thanks!
 
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