Hi All,

I wonder if anyone has experience with fires and fig trees...

I have to burn off some left over construction debris that is in the field near my trees.  The pile will not be too big, so I am not expecting an extremely hot fire.  As is, the pile is about 30' from MVBS, 25' from 143-36, and 25' from Verdal Longue.  Are these trees far enough away? or should I build some sort of heat shield between them and the fire? Moving the debris pile is last (very, very, very last) resort.

Any advice is appreciated.
~james

how large is the fire? make sure you burn during 0 mph wind to avoid it billowing heat/flames to the sides. Otherwise you should be okay. Of course, the height of the tree can also have an effect. I'm assuming none are over 10'.

When you're done burning  use fire ashes around the fig tree that is good for them.

Do you have to light the whole pile at once? Can you take some 10' away and burn it little at a time and just keep adding. I don't know your area, but when you light up a big pile it will generate a lot of heat sending hot ambers thru the air. I always burn when I know rains in the forecast, thay way I have a little safety edge.


luke

James,
It all depends on the size of the pile. If your pile is less than around 8 feet square i would think you'll be fine. As long as your smoke isn't blowing directly at any of the trees you should be okay. Just keep in mind it is the heat that does the damage. Burning in colder temps would also Be better.

Thanks guys.  The pile will be about 15'X10'X2.5'.  I was planning on waiting until we had some rain in the forecast (60% chance Saturday 09.08).  I need to get rid of the pile since it is sitting over where I am planning on doing some fall planting.  I wasn't so worried about embers as most of the trees are well hydrated and I can soak the mulch surrounding them.  I was mostly concerned with excessive heat.  Normal wind patterns keep should keep smoke and heat away from the trees.

~james

Hi James im sure everything will work out for you . If you still have doubts once the burn is going stand by your nearest fig tree and you will surely be able to tell what your tree's are feeling and how intense.
If its extreme which i doubt you can always stop the burn.

You might spray your fig tree's leaves with some water before you start your burn.

     I managed to singe the leaves on a fig tree 8' away and further up in an oak tree with a small 2'x2'x2' pile of vines and briars which burnt quickly and created too much heat.

I've seen fire damage trees and it ain't pretty. I would start the fire only on one corner and let it progress slowly into the pile controlling it with the use of a water hose. Once it starts, it will try to engulf the whole pile as quickly as possible. Your job will be to prevent that. Then you should be ok. If you have some ply wood or sheet rock panels to stand up between the fire and the trees that would deflect the heat. Martin is right. If you can stand between the tree and the fire and not get scorched then neither should your trees. Keep the hose handy and all will be fine.
"gene"

james,

i grill right next to my fig trees all the time. i use weber charcoal grills. so there is good bit of fire next to the fig trees. about 3-4 feet away from them. i just make sure that the fire doesn't actually get in contact with the trees. so far i haven't seen any specific issues, but the flare up is only for first 4-5 min.

James,
If you time the burn as you plan and follow Martin and Gene's advice you won't have any problems.  Burning the pile from one side allows for easier control and the whole pile won't be on fire at once.  If the flames get too intense for your taste just water it with the hose.

Just planted my fall garden last Sunday.

Womack

Thanks guys.... I've managed to keep my pyromaniac urges at bay since I was a kid.  I think I can keep them controlled for the sake of my fig trees.