So far I've got everything I need to bundle up my figs this winter.. Everything except for the water proofing part. This winter I've decided to wrap my trees in burlap then cover that with plastic. My main concern is whether or not to leave the top open and cover with a pail like many suggest. But I've also seen many on youtube cover their figs using plastic as waterproofing without leaving a the top open for air. They just simply insulate it and completely blanket with plastic with great success. So how important is it allowing the tree to ventilate? Is it really necessary if the tree is in a dormant state? Thanks everyone.

Hi Longshot,
No air means perfect conditions for mold as in winter you've got plenty of humidity already.
So IMO, you need to remove every remaining leaves and figlets , let the bark of the tree dry a bit , and then install the protections.
If you read all the lines, most will say , and I do agree, that such protections are perfect to attract rodents.
So you should install baits and traps inside the protection and near the trunk .
Good luck !

http://www.hicksnurseries.com/documents/howto/Figs%20-%20Letter%20Paper.pdf

I need to clean up my garage and get rid of bulky junk to make more room for them figs...

I've only wrapped a few in ground trees in my life, so take this with a grain of salt. I like used carpet underlayment instead of burlap. I can usually find it on the side of the road or at a local, private carpet installer company dumpster. (Don't judge me. lol) I think it insulates as well or better than leaves and it's free. After tying the branches together with bungee cords I wrap them with underlayment and then plastic. I never used a bucket, but I've seen that done all the time so that's prob the best way to go. Good luck!

about in-ground trees in colder states: isn't it better to get the cuttings before they face the harsh winter? that way you save so many cuttings rather than losing them to the winter. just a thought.

I am wondering about the frequent use of tar paper, sometimes together with carpetting. Does that mean the tar paper performs the function of, say, tarp, as a moisture barrier?

I haven’t covered my 6 in ground trees for about 6 years. After losing all above ground growth last winter I will be covering this year. I use these

You really only need 4 or 5 feet to have a good crop. The cages are stackable but you need some type of stake or the winter winds will blow them over. Tie branches together tightly, prune, stack 1 or 2 cages, wrap tightly with tar paper, hold temporarily with a staple, tie cord around tightly.  Previous years I would pile a little dirt all along the bottom to deter mice. If they find their way in they have a warm house and all the bark they can eat. This year I will be using Bass’s suggestion of a bowl with mothballs at the bottom instead of dirt. I fashion a top from tarpaper and hot glue. The wrap takes about 15 minutes a tree.