Fig Tree Disease

Question

My fig tree is beginning to bloom and tiny greenery is appearing on the branches, but I still have the black spots on the end of each branch that we pruned in January. Can you tell me what these spots represent and if the tree needs to be treated, and with what?

Answer 1

The fig may be affected by sooty mold, which previous pruning of the tree did not eradicate. Oftentimes, this fungus is caused by pests. Try treating the tree with neem oil, which should take care of both the pest problem as well as the fungus.