I've been using impress-o-tags on the trees in my orchard to identify various fig cultivars. This has worked okay but I've found that the tags can easily blow or slip off when the tree is dormant and they're hard to see when the tree is fully leafed out. Has anyone found a good option for in-ground trees?

I am thinking of using something like this but thought perhaps there might be something a little less expensive (this will be done for 80+ trees): http://obcnw.com/galvanizedmetalsignholders5x4x18-1-1-1.aspx

I'm hoping for labels to last 10+ years.

Definately use a yard map. I am building one for all my bushes. Another thing you can do that some use are flat stones with the variety info written on them. I've seen some gardens done this way and it looked very nice.

I also use the stones (5-10 lb limestone flat rocks) in addition to garden mapping.  I use acid for etching the stone, and then paint the depressions.  They look cool, and they work.  They are heavy and they don't blow away or wash off labels.  They work really well. It is almost like a gravestone, "Here lies RdB."  I will bring a few over on Saturday so you can look at them and you can have a few if you like them.

I also recommend a map if things are in ground.

BigBadBill posted one time about using some type of acid to etch rocks with the name, that would probably last a century before wearing away. 

EDIT: Bill and I posted simutaneously, looks silly now.

Use the impress-o-tags without the little wire that comes in the box,  instead, use zip ties.  Use small zip ties for the hole in tag and use a longer thick one for the zip tie.  It will never blow off and critter won't be able to take them off!  Squirrels try to remove mine.....sometimes they try to bite them until they realize it's metal.

Thanks all! Some really good ideas, especially the rock one. Sure, please bring some over Bill. I might do a combination of things. For the figs I may do heavy plastic labels, for the other orchard trees something like the rock idea. Sounds like a good winter project to me!

Hi,
Imagine you have "Lattarula" and "Lattarola" ... Are you sure the rock idea is still an easy one ?
IMO, the easiest is a medal with a number like Jon posted. And a list with the corresponding label. And a map in an file, is interesting as well .

An other point: If you have people visiting with ninja suits, they won't know where the more wanted and expensive cultivars are .
So a visit to your orchard would be less interesting ...

I would make numbers +1 from front to back of the orchard. This way even if you loose one label, you'll know that between tree 123 and tree 125, the tree is the 124 :)

Impress-o-tags work pretty well for me except the wires they supply are trash and must be replaced.

I've been using the for a couple of years now. Bit of a faf to prepare but they look good, aren't expensive and last. They are craft beads with silver plated wire. The beads cost around £3 for 500 (mixed) and the wire is £2 for 5 metres.

    I've been using the impress-o-tags too, but instead of attaching the tag to the tree, I drill a small hole through the lip of the pot...then twist the two ends of the wire to double it...then thread the wire through the hole and wrap it around itself to secure...very sturdy method, and you have to use a pair of diagonal cutting pliers to remove it from the pot...(must give credit to "new england gardening" who showed this technique on one of his videos).