Fig Tree Winterization But Leaves Are Still On?

Question

Hello! We live in NJ and our fig tree has still all leaves on and fruits and no signs of fall or coming off leaves. I read though in your article: You can implement your fig tree winter protection after the fig tree has lost all of its leaves in the fall. Shall we continue to wait? But it is 11/12 today and our frost date is 11/15. I know it can stand some frost, so we really wait for the leaves to come off? But what if a day comes with more than -3C and leaves are still there? Thank you for your guidance. Regards Melanie

Answer 1

You can wait till the first frost and see if the leaves drop. The trees need to be wrapped before severe weather arrives, so watch the forecasts. Cutting back on water will steer it toward dormancy. You can harvest the fruit if it has begun to soften. The article below for New Jersey says to prune the tree before wrapping for the winter. After pruning, remove any leaves/fruit that remain before wrapping. Here is more:
https://njaes.rutgers.edu/FS1198/