A while back I was asked to show what I do to winterize my fig trees.  I just finished getting them ready for a harsh winter that they are predicting for our area.

WINTERIZING INGROUND TREES:

I have two trees that are in ground and in between them I have dug a box that I've reinforced with cement slabs to keep it from collapsing.  Once the figs are out of the box, the box is covered with plywood and outdoor carpet that looks like grass.

 
When the leaves have dropped, I trim back the trees to a manageable size and tie them up.  Below are pics of the box ready for the trees.

     

I then bring down the large tree from one end and then the smaller tree goes on top of it:

 

I have to step on them so they fit nicely in the box.  I then cover the box with 3/4" plywood and the plastic over the wood.  I use a pool cover that is pretty large and will take a beating during winter.  I then spread soil all around the edge of the plastic to keep it in place.  I also put a vacuum hose on one side of the box so that I can vacuum out any water that accumulates in there in the spring before it's time for the box to be opened.  This way I am able to ensure that the water won't rot the tree and the root balls.

  

Hope you find this informative.  I will do a separate post for the winterization of the fig trees in pots.

I would love to see pics of how others bury their fig trees.

Luzzu



 

Luzzu
That is a very thorough job of burying the fig trees!  You are sure to get some nice figs as a reward next summer.

My father also buried his fig trees and we always enjoyed nice fresh figs a long time ago when winters were often like last winter. 
Somehow we managed to flip them down even when the fig trees got large. 
Now I don't have the energy to dig and flip them over so I just build a box around them.  But I get some winter damage to the branches.  A box can never be as effective as burying them below ground level.

Pino,

Next spring my plan is to plant a 50' row of inground trees and was thinking of Johnparav's figloo idea. I was thinking for winter protection I would build an A-frame (removable) structure over them using 2" styrofoam. I would run some lights connected to a thermocube adapter that turns on at -6C. Then in the spring I could take the south facing styrofoam off and just have clear plastic on that side to give the trees a head start growing. Thats the plan at least lol.

Tyler
That sounds like a nice plan! 
I wish I could find somewhere to buy those refrigeration panels in John's figloo they look great.  (water proof, high rvalue and light).
Also it will be interesting to see what varieties you choose to plant inground.
Let us know how your plan develops.

Pino on ebay there is a guy down your way selling 2.5 an 2.75 inch 4x8 sheets for $20. Its just regular styrofoam but if you tarp it anyways I would think it should stay somewhat dry?

Thanks Tyler I will give these a try. 

Great job, Luzzu.  Thanks for the detailed info.  I hope you get plenty of figs next year.

Its definitely impressive that a tree of that caliper trunk can be dug and tipped over like that. Great job Ralph

Thank you Luzzu for taking the time to share the pictures and report on burying the trees. About what percentage of the roots would you say you end up cutting to get the root ball to tip over?
Do you basically cut straight down with an edging spade/trenching shovel on the threes sides away from the hole?

My dad and I have been burying fig trees since 1966.  Nothing nearly as permanently established as your box setup though.  We dig a trench each year (partially line it with cheap boards) and then dig around the root ball, wrap the top, and tip it over.  Cover with a board and then put dirt back on top.  It's too labor intensive a technique though, as we get older.  We too dig down around the root ball to where the roots are soft and pliable.  I've thought about making something more permanent like your box setup, but I've had such good success using potted trees now that I'm not sure I'll put in the effort to make a more permanent box.  There was another guy on this forum a few years ago from northern NY state who had permanent "tunnels" that he used for burying trees.  In any case, thanks for sharing your technique.  I'm glad it's working well for you. 

Mike   central NY state, zone 5a

Hi cis4elk
 I dig around the back and the sides and then I dig under the root ball on the side that's facing the hole.  Then you push it down and it works like a hinge.  Over time there are less and less strong roots coming out of the root ball on that side.  The tree roots spread out on the other side to feed itself.  Every few years there are also tap roots that I have to remove.

Hope this makes sense to you.

Great info and photos , this is very helpful .

John

Wow what an impressive set up!
Looks like a lot of work and sweat Luzzu.