About 2 weeks ago, I covered my 3 year old fig tree.  This is an 'unknown', (maybe bella brunetta rossa) but it's cold hardy.  I figure it wouldn't hurt to protect it anyway.  It's about 3 feet tall with several trunks.  I tied all branches up, then wrapped it up with a thick cotton mattress cover.  Then placed a wire cage around it and stuffed it tight with hay.  Finally, I placed a tarp over it.  Two weeks ago, we were in the 20s for night time lows.  Well the past several days have been in the 40s for lows and mid 60s for highs which is unseasonably warm.  The forecast shows several more days like this.  Will my tree 'wake up' again?  Should I remove the layers for now?  I'm wondering if the blanket and tarp is sufficient enough, leaving out the hay.  Thanks!




Lots of hay around the trunk.  I used blocks to keep from too much water getting to the roots.

You should be fine, I don't like using straw because its a nesting material for rodents. It also can get real hot in there on a mild sunny day.

good job....
i usually use dry leaves and stuff them in there just as you did with the straw. you should be good to go.....
wise choice putting the silver side out.

give us an update when you unwrap the tree.

Hi Frank

Thanks for the photos of your winter protection program, looks good and I'm
Sure that your tree will survive. I was tempted to use a bale of straw as well, but will
Stick with the many bags of raked leaves that i have. My only question/ concern
Is that it's still pretty warm during the days here in DELMARVA (Delaware, Maryland
And Virginia). Last two days it was close or over 70, and still going to be in low to
Mid 60's this coming weekend. I'm just thinking it is better to wait for " full cover"
Until the day and night time temps are close. I'm located near College Park, MD
And plan to wait a few more weeks until " full winter protection " mode.

By the way, is the fig you are covering a cold hardy type? Or more sensitive
To cold temps variety?

I'll put up a few pictures of my winter defense sytem shortly.

thanks for shaing your technique!

Just a thought. Insulation works both ways, so it may have been moderating some of those warmer temperature days.

I always recommend planting against a south facing wall for an added protection. But you seem to be In a warmer area than I am.

once, I saw a picture of a huge tree, where the italian owner, wrapped it leaving a breathing hole on top, for venting in case of hot sunny day. and then he put an upside down bucket over the venting hole, so no rain water would fall in there, but there was some venting means for heat to escape.