I have a large fig tree in my garden. I have noticed that there are a lot of orange/ browny patches on a lot of the branches. The tree is not in leaf yet and I wanted to know about this problem and if there is a cure.
It sounds like you may have a rust fungus on the branches. They typically attack the leaves on figs, but can attack branches if there are no leaves. These articles will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/figs/figs-disease-rust.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/learn-about-plant-rust-disease-and-rust-treatment.htm
We planted a fig tree last year next to the garage hoping it would grow up the side. Our neighbor says we planted it too close to the foundation. How far from the foundation do you suggest we plant it?
With fig trees, you don't need to worry so much about damage from the roots to the foundation as long as it has space on the other sides for the roots to grow. The problem will really come in more from the branches. Figs like to spread out and need about 20' - 25' of space to accommodate their branch spread. You can prune any sides that are too close to the house yearly, but you will essentially end up with more work and losing part of the tree. Some people are ok with that, and if you are, then it will be fine.
My fig tree, which is growing in a pot, is getting small brown spots all over. I would appreciate some info on this particular problem.
It sounds like it may be fig rust. It is caused by a fungus and fungicide will help to control it.
I am caring for two fig trees in our greenhouse. Both were infected with spider mites last summer, but only one has recovered. The other now has spotted leaves that go yellow and then golden brown, no matter what I do. Any help or direction would be much appreciated.
There are 2 possibilities. One is that it is a fungus. Treat the plant with a fungicide. The other is that it is Fig Mosaic. There is no cure for this and the plant should be destroyed before it spreads to the other fig.
We have been given an established fig bush (approximately 10 years old) and wondered how big the roots will be - if we need to dig it up with a backhoe, or will it be better to hand dig it up?
The rule of thumb is that the root ball will extend a few feet beyond the canopy of the tree itself, so if the tree is quite large, you may need a backhoe to move it. If it does need a backhoe, I would recommend paying an arborist to help you move it. Older trees are more prone to transplant shock and will be more likely to die when moved.
Can a fig tree grow and fruit well from an off shoot as opposed to a cutting? Someone gave me a baby fig tree that they said came underneath their fig tree. My fig-loving Italian neighbor said that it will not fruit as well as a cutting would. Can you please advise?
It depends on if the original tree was a pure tree or a grafted tree. If the original tree was grafted, then your neighbor is right that it will not do as well as the parent as the sucker came from the stronger but fruiting inferior root stock. If the original tree was a pure tree, then the sucker will grow and fruit the same as the original tree.
I have two fig trees now at 4-6 feet high. I'm finding it impossible to locate large containers for them. The biggest I've seen are 22 inches across and 18 inches tall. I bring them inside in the cold months.
Believe it or not, I have had good luck with finding large pots at places like Wal-Mart and Target. They will only carry very large pots for the spring season, but they are 2 1/2 - 3 feet wide and the same tall. You may also want to check your local hardware big box stores. Again, they only carry them in spring, so you would need to go now to find these size pots.