Fig trees require less water to go into dormant stage.
Fig trees contribute a picturesque focal point to many landscapes. As a favorite fruit tree of the Mediterranean, the fig tree performs better in environments much like its native region; however, fig trees can survive temperatures below 12 degrees F. as long as they have gone dormant for the season. Reducing water can help the tree go dormant, but it is important to maintain a watering schedule throughout the year to prevent the fig tree from drying out and to restore its health after winter months. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Hand-pull all vegetation from around the fig tree. Weeds, grass and ornamental plants should not be allowed to grow under the tree's drip line, the area directly underneath the tree's outer branches. Other plants use up the ground's moisture and compete with the fig tree for water in the soil.
2. Squeeze a handful of soil from the fig tree's planting site to determine its water-retention rate. Soil that releases water needs less water than soil that breaks into clumps. Water-retaining soils are generally clay and dry soil is typically sand; soil that is malleable in the hand is loam soil and should be watered regularly.
3. Place a soaker hose around the drip line of the fig tree. Fig trees generally need one inch of water per week, more during the hot, dry months of summer. Press fingers into the top three inches of soil to determine if the plant needs water. If the soil is dry, water the fig tree.
4. Spread six inches of mulch around the fig tree and over the soaker hose to help lock in moisture and keep weeds at bay.
5. Give the tree enough water to keep the ground moist but not saturated. Many fig trees only need water once a week, depending on the heat of the climate. Because fig trees have shallow root systems, they benefit from water being released slowly.
Tags: around tree, drip line, less water, soaker hose, soil that, water soil