So this tree has about 5-6(?) branches on it with the first one about 2ft about soil line.  There are figs on it - about 8 or so with no other growth. Should I leave the figs on it or take them off? 

It amazes me how I know so little about growing a fig tree since I grew up with one!  I was able to reap the rewards of Grandpas work.  I did spend time with him in the garden when I was young, but he had a stroke when I was 11 and passed when I was 17.  My uncle took over the gardening duties, but lets face it - it's not the same.  I do remember the tree getting wrapped up for the winter for protection.  My uncle passed about 8 years ago and Dad had been disabled and he passed 3 years ago.  I will have to ask my Mom more questions about the tree and if they wrap it for winter.  My brother is in the area, I don't know if he does anything to the tree.

Back to my little tree.  Could I expect to have edible figs this year?    When planting, the nursery suggested a bag of something (lol) to add to the hole for the tree since I have red clay. I do plan on making the hole a bit bigger then the recommended size because of the clay. 

Any opinions will be welcomed 

Jo-Ann

Hi, Jo-Ann

Sorry to hear about all the losses in your family. I hope you are well. As for the tree, it sounds like the tree is dormant with figs on it. Kind of unusual for a Celeste. You say it has no leaves at all? If that is the case, I would pick off all the unripe figs and let it sleep. The nursery probably recommended a bag of compost when you fill the hole. I have clay soil too and I do not add anything at all to my in-ground fig trees. They do just fine. Lastly, yes, you can expect figs this coming season. Good luck.

I agree with Ruben, unless you are planning on amending the entire yard, do not amend the hole.  If you add compost to the to the clay you fill the hole with, the surrounding clay will pull the water out of it.

~james

Alan,

Texas is in the midst of a severe drought that is expected to continue through next summer, and many communities are under strict watering regulations.  During a normal summer, the Dallas area (as is most of central Texas) is hot and dry.

There is a second issue with amending the fill dirt.  Roots travel (largely) in the path of least resistance.  The roots are less likely to migrate into the clay when they have a nice light growing mix around them.

From this article:

Girdling roots can also occur when a tree is transplanted into a hole filled with good soil but surrounded with impervious clay or some other obstruction. Roots tend to take the path of least resistance, and in these circumstances are more likely to change direction and eventually contact the stem.

Alan,

I haven't amended any of the holes my trees have gone into... yet.  The ground here is a few inches of over worked (year after year or growing corn) soil sitting on clay sitting on limestone.  I am growing on several acres, so digging it up isn't an option.  I am actively looking for organic matter to work into soil here.  I found about 3 yards of composted horse manure that I am picking up on Thursday.  That will be spread amongst my trees and in the area I am using for propagation. 

I had a line on hundreds of yards of first cut mulch for the cost of delivery, but have lost the contact.  So I am back to square one.  We are looking at buying a 3pt tiller for the tractor to work everything in.  It is a bit ambitious.  I am starting with about 3 of 11 acres total.  I'll see how much more I will do after that.

~james

Hi again - I looked at the bag from the nursery and it is tree and shrub mix.  I plan on putting the tree roughly in the middle of the back yard on the north side of the house, about 15' from the back of the house and 15' from the garage (rear entry). Just beyond that point - a couple of feet, the yard starts to slope away from the house.  Starting in Feb or so that spot will have sun from 7 am till about 4 pm and in the summer till about 6pm.  At the arrow!

Yes it does have a large post oak branch above it - the branch was removed this past weekend.  I was also thinking of adding some other plants from that point towards the house  taking it from the end of the garage to the edge of the house, just not sure what to do - the fig tree is first and foremost!  Leaning toward perennials that are drought and heat tolerant especially after last summer with over 70 days over 100 degrees!

Thanks again for the input, I really do appreciate it!

Jo-Ann