I am in Clifton, NJ right now visiting family.  I just drove over to the house I used to live in as a kid.  The tree was still there and looked better than I expected.  Luke (lukeott) from the forum met me there.  My mom was there too.  We took cuttings.  Luke's a real nice guy.  He said he would like to post pictures but he can never figure out how to do it!  Here are some photos that I took.  I'll get in touch with those of you who contacted me for cuttings once I'm back in Arizona and figure out how much it will cost me to mail them out.  If anyone else is interested in cuttings PM me.  I might have a few cuttings left for you.  This is a tough tree that is hardy in the cold and in the heat.  It's been growing here since at least the 1970's and has been cut down more than once, but keeps coming back.  The fruit is very nice.

Joe:  A beautiful tree.  Just how cold does it get in Clifton, NJ?  I suspect that your climate does not get any colder than parts of the Texas gulf coast (though you get cold weather more often)  I've seen trees there coated with ice (but not below about 20F) that grew fifteen feet high. 

We got down to minus 15F here hast winter, coldest since I've been here.  Anything outside froze and died.

Hi Ox.  Clifton NJ is zone 6 (I think).  It's in the northern part of the state.  I'm not sure what zone the Texas coast is, but I think it's got to be milder and easier to grow fig trees there.  Driving around today I also saw a couple of fig trees growing in the ground in Nutley, NJ.  I think only the hardiest varieties can survive in ground up here.  I'm not sure if the trees in Nutley were given any winter protection but this tree (Joe's Jersey) has never been protected in the winter.

Hey Joe,

Wanted to thank you again and to say it was very nice to meet you and your mom. I could see where you got your green thumb from. while you and your mom talked about planting different trees and plants from long ago. It's neat to go back to see where you onced lived even if it doesn't look the same, it still brings back the memories. Go JETS

                                     luke

Oh, one more thing. It was a long trip so I jumped in the car and took off only to realize when I got there I didn't have anything with me. Like cutters or a bag, duh. So thanks for taking care of me Joe.

                                               luke

Hi Luke.  No problem.  It was great to meet another fig nut.  Hope those cuttings root for you.

Go Jets!