While browsing through a catalog, I came across some various "Tree-Hydrators".  These are doughnut-shaped "bags" that can be filled with water, and then are placed at the base of trees. They slowly drip water down into the root area over a period of either hours, or days, depending on the drip-rate that you select.  Trade names:  "OOZE TUBE"..."Tree-COVEr"..."TREEGATOR"..."ARBOR-RAIN".....etc.

So, do these have any practical application with growing fig trees?  I would think that if keeping trees properly hydrated in hot, dry areas is  a problem, maybe these might work?  How about when you want to take a vacation, or, go away for a few days?

The concept looks good, but the devil's always in the details.  Please let us know if you have any experiences with using these products. 

Appreciate any comments, cautions, feedback, suggestions.

Thanks,

Frank

Frank,
I have not used them but after a quick online search, a couple things pop to mind:
1) First the 45 gallon tube full would weigh 360 lbs, even the 15 gallon would weigh 120 lbs full (approx). The weight would be an issue for pots.
2) Also,while  the 15 gallon would probably be manageable for a larger pot, it would take up almost 2 cubic ft of space (again approximate). Is there space?
3) It appears that you would have to buy one for each tree- cost could be an issue.
Conclusion- I'd start out small, buy one and test and evaluate.
Good luck as always,
John

If you are not completely off the grid a simple drip system is way cheaper. they seem real expensive and you have to go out and fill them up every week.

Agreed that drip irrigation is cheaper than most people realize. I have everything at my place on drip. I did put two fig trees in the "no mans land" easement between the sidewalk and street. Since there is no irrigation there I do something similar to the "tree-hydrators". I take one of those 5 gallon HD buckets and drill 3/16 inch hole, fill it up and carry to easement. Drains in 1.5 to 2 hours. If you want more water do a second round. You want more flow drill another hole....

Geez...

These bags looked like such a good idea...and I never even considered the weight factor that was pointed out by Johnny-G.

Now I know the rest of the story.  I suppose that if they were as great as they looked, I would have read more about them on this forum.  That was the first clue that I missed.
Thanks for the comments.  Very interesting.

Frank

I also agree that drip systems are the best way to go and make for worry-free vacations.  You can easily setup an automatic one for right around $100, depending on your needs.  I ordered this one when first starting.  The timer/valve is the part I worry about the most but I haven't had it fail or me yet.  Looks like it's going for ~$112 right now.  Plus, it has the geeky automation factor going for it so I'm all-in!