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Poisoned fig tree #753018

Asked May 31, 2021, 1:42 AM EDT

Last fall my neighbors were trying to sell their house and needed to get rid of the 7-8 foot wall of blackberries that stood between us on their property line. They apparently dumped some kind of weed/vine killer to take care of this. I remember telling the guy who cut my lawn to be careful back there because I wasn't sure what they put on it. Fast forward to this spring when things were starting to bloom. I noticed my fig tree closest to the property line was looking sad. I thought I would give it more time to wake up. This week I noticed that only about 1/4 of it produced leaves of any kind and very little fruit. It finally occurred to me that the root system of the fig most likely reaches beyond where the blackberries were. The tree itself is only about 10 feet away from the property line. It stands to reason that whatever they used has hit my tree. There is another fig further away that looks much better, but not 100% of what I usually see. Both trees are very well established. My question is-what can I do to help my fig? Is there something I can do to protect it from further damage and initiate healing? I have not fertilized either tree this year at this time. I didn't think to upload photos with this message, but I can do so if you need to see the tree. I appreciate your information! Julie Osborn

Multnomah County Oregon

Expert Response

Julie,

Yes, please send images, among them these:
- The affected tree(s) and the surroundings. (If needed, post each tree, individually. Also label which tree is which.)
- Each tree, alone, including where it goes into the ground.
- A relatively close view to show typical damage.

Also,
- Please send full-size images.
- If needed, attach the images to separate replies.

It's worth knowing that my (no-name) fig is just beginning to set fruit. So, unless your trees produce very early in the season, they may still have a crop this year.

Similarly, my tree is still leafing out because of the relatively cool spring.

I look forward to receiving your reply.
Jean R. Natter; Master Gardener Diagnostician (metro counties, Oregon) Replied June 01, 2021, 11:30 AM EDT
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Hi! 
The first image is that of both figs while facing west. The one in question is the one closest to the back fence where the blackberries were. The second photo is that of the first fig. It doesn’t seem to have many issues. It’s filling out quite nicely. The 10th photo is the same tree just facing the east. Photos 3-9 are of the fig I’m having issues with. It’s not filling out at all and there are quite a few branches that look very haggard and have no sign of healthy growth. There are some  branches with nice growth, but very few. Again, for reference, the row of blackberries that had been taken out by whatever chemical they used is at that fence line. I had the fence put up recently. The final photo is facing towards the sad fig while standing next to the other one. I hope this helps! 
Thank you so much!

Julie 




On Jun 1, 2021, at 08:30, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

The Question Asker Replied June 05, 2021, 10:21 PM EDT
Julie,

Thank you for the update.

Judging from the tree's current condition, a spray herbicide (weed killer) was used. Then, as often occurs, some of the spray drifted beyond the target to your fig tree.

The good news is that the fig is already recovering by producing new sprouts from its roots. This reaction is similar to fig trees that are freeze-damaged in other regions.


You have a choice for the future of this fig tree:

1. Wait another month to allow the tree to show you which wood is truly dead, then prune off the dead wood and/or weak wood. Make all cuts just beyond a live bud or live branch. Wait until your tree has dropped its leaves and is dormant before doing major corrective pruning to prune the tree to shape.

Or,

2. Work with the sprouts at the base of the tree to develop a new, multi-stem tree that will likely fruit in several years. To do so, gradually remove the weakest sprouts, with the goal of keeping the several best shoots to form a "new" tree, at the same time realizing that new growth will be very rapid because the sprouts already have a fully developed root system. As  mentioned above, wait until the leaves drop before doing major corrective pruning to prune the tree to shape.

This story about growing figs in Oregon may provide some useful information for you: (https://extension.oregonstate.edu/news/dont-be-fooled-figs-grow-fine-western-oregon)

Jean R. Natter; Master Gardener Diagnostician (metro counties, Oregon) Replied June 06, 2021, 3:03 PM EDT
Thank you so much!!!


On Jun 6, 2021, at 12:03, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

The Question Asker Replied June 06, 2021, 8:23 PM EDT
You're welcome. And enjoy your project with the fig tree!
Jean R. Natter; Master Gardener Diagnostician (metro counties, Oregon) Replied June 06, 2021, 9:25 PM EDT

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