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fig tree dying or sleeping ? #377041

Asked November 14, 2016, 3:09 PM EST

I have a new fig tree That I planted back in early June, in mid October when the temperatures started dropping below 41 degrees  I put a fence around it and covered it with shrink-wrap all around it and also on top, the temperature has been 50 degrees at night and 78 degrees during the day. Since then the tree has stayed healthy and the green leaves where still attached, this was till yesterday, when suddenly the leaves are still attached but are all shrivled-up and looking down. Is this a sign the tree is dying or is it going to sleep ?

County Outside United States

Expert Response

Thanks for your question.  Where are you (and your tree) located--country?  Have you kept it covered with shrink wrap day and night?  Any chance you can attach a photograph?

Thanks!
An Ask Extension Expert Replied November 14, 2016, 4:05 PM EST
The fig tree is at the backyard. Yes, it is shrink wrapped day and night. Location is Niagara Falls, Canada. Photos attached. Thank you.
The Question Asker Replied November 14, 2016, 5:23 PM EST
Fig trees are deciduous, so its losing its leaves this time of year wouldn't be unusual.  I suspect that your tree is also not thriving due to the shrink wrap causing lack of sunlight, air (carbon dioxide) and water.  You should be taking the enclosure off during the day so the leaves can continue to photosynthesize and obtain air, but can protect it from the cold at night.

Know, though, that since fig trees are a semi-tropical tree, they are not hardy below USDA hardiness zone 8, and Niagara Falls is in zone 6b.  So it's too cold (on average, historically) for your tree to survive your winters (-5 to 0 F).

Here's an article about fig trees that may answer some of your question.

Hope this is helpful.
An Ask Extension Expert Replied November 14, 2016, 5:35 PM EST

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