How large or old would the tree have to be too planted directly into his yard after he receives it. At this point in time it is in a 5 gallon bucket in my garage dormant. Are there any special instructions of where the tree should be planted? How does he have to deal with it to get it through the winter in North Carolina?

Do figs do well planted there? He does live near the water.

If any of you can advise me on any of these concerns you very much.

Lou 

I am one of the least experienced people on this forum, but I'll jump in since I'm here.  :o)

NC has a big variety in climate, from the coast to the mountains, so you need to be more specific.  When you say close to the water, do you mean the ocean, or a lake?

On the southern coast, where freezes are mild and less common, it would likely do very well out of doors with little worry.   In the mountains, where some friends of mine spend a lot of time with family, they've got snow from October through May, and a fig tree there would need a lot of protection from the winter. 

What zone is the tree in?   http://www.garden.org/zipzone/index.php?img=seusa

I don't have cold issues, so generally plant in late October. I generally do not plant a plant in-ground until it out-grows a 5 gallon pot. By then it is sufficiently established to take some abuse and neglect if that should accidentally occur. I haven't found any real advantage to planting small plant in-ground.

Sounds like this one will be ready to head off into the dirt in the Spring.

I just learned that the tree will be planted in the Newbern area. Would this make a difference in how to care for it?
Thanks Guys
Loi

Lou,

Hello Lou, your fig trees will grow tremendously well here!  Since he lives in Newbern, that area is western Carolina, more sand and humidity.  We have 4 full seasons here and winter doesn't really hit hard until after the new year.  I have several trees I want to plant in the ground.  But some nice members of this forum recommended I wait until after the last freeze, March.  I agree.  Here, we usually have one more freeze in February or March.  But this year we had 90 degree temps in March.  However, I also like Jon's recommendation.  When your 5 gallon tree starts to root from the bottom, plant it in the ground.  So, figs grow very well here.  The only fig I found that grows slow that may not ripen is Black Madeira and Panchee.  I had to place my BM inside my greenhouse in order for them to ripen.  But they ripend.  cheers,