How to approach an owner?

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Savage270

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Posts: 153

Posted 1404786368	Reply with quote #1

I saw a fig tree on the way home today. It looks like it suffered from the harsh winter we had with a few days in the teens because I see lots of bare branches sticking up from lush growth from the base. I think the tree is roughly 10' high x 8' wide with about half of the height just dead old branches. It doesn't look like the owner made any attempts to trim off the dead wood. What caught my eye was the leaf pattern, it had long fingers like VdB or RdB. The house is located on a fairly busy road and there's always traffic so I can't really slow down to take a good look. My question to everyone is: what is the best way to approach the owner as in when I knock on the door besides hello, what would be a good opening sentence? I would like to know what variety it is and possibly come and make an airlayer or get cuttings when it goes dormant. Any advice besides a bullet proof vest? And when I go back tomorrow, please don't laugh at me if it turns out to not be a fig tree! __________________ David, North GA, zone 7b Growing figs since May 2014. Wish List: Cuttings: Kesariani, Battaglia Green, Col de Dama Rimada, Col de Dame Noir

Aaron4USA

Registered:1375832059
Posts: 2,969

Posted 1404786619	Reply with quote #2

Always approach with introducing yourself and bring up how you couldn't help but notice that their tree is going through something that your knowledgeable self can help the situation. Always give first! Never ask first! If and when they start trusting you, they will offer.

DesertDance

Registered:1247674606
Posts: 4,518

Posted 1404787154	Reply with quote #3

Aaron gave you good advice. If you have something to bring him, that is nice too. Most people are really nice when they sense your intentions are good. Good luck to you! And may the tree be a winner!! Suzi __________________ Zone 9b, Southern California. "First year they sleep, Second year they creep, Third year they leap!" Wish List: I wish all of you happy fig collecting! My wishes have been fulfilled!

Savage270

Registered:1400777993
Posts: 153

Posted 1404787345	Reply with quote #4

Should I bring my pruning shears and offer to help trim the dead branches? Also, I know that were supposed to trim off the dead wood but why is that? I don't know and just in case they ask. __________________ David, North GA, zone 7b Growing figs since May 2014. Wish List: Cuttings: Kesariani, Battaglia Green, Col de Dama Rimada, Col de Dame Noir

newnandawg

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Posts: 2,535

Posted 1404787484	Reply with quote #5

Attracts harmful insects

Dave

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Posts: 1,482

Posted 1404787525	Reply with quote #6

__________________ Connecticut - Zone 6B Wish List - Bordissot negra rimada

newnandawg

Registered:1344130335
Posts: 2,535

Posted 1404787591	Reply with quote #7

David, just come pick me up and I will help you with this

Savage270

Registered:1400777993
Posts: 153

Posted 1404788100	Reply with quote #8

Thanks for the offer Mike. There's a time in everyone's life where they have to step up to the plate and make things happen... This will be my first approach. Actually, there's another tree that I saw that's in my neighborhood and another one about 5 miles from where I live that's supposedly 50+ years old but I'm afraid to ask. I've never just knocked on someone's door uninvited before. This will be a steep learning curve for me. Wish me luck. I'll try to go there in the morning. Hopefully they're home and hopefully it really is a fig tree and not something else. If I strike out I'll go to the 50+ year old tree and try. And please remember, don't laugh at me if it turn out to not be a fig tree... __________________ David, North GA, zone 7b Growing figs since May 2014. Wish List: Cuttings: Kesariani, Battaglia Green, Col de Dama Rimada, Col de Dame Noir

Savage270

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Posts: 153

Posted 1404788138	Reply with quote #9

Out of curiosity, what kind of harmful insects? __________________ David, North GA, zone 7b Growing figs since May 2014. Wish List: Cuttings: Kesariani, Battaglia Green, Col de Dama Rimada, Col de Dame Noir

newnandawg

Registered:1344130335
Posts: 2,535

Posted 1404788321	Reply with quote #10

Ants and numerous species of beetles for starters

drphil69

Registered:1390113240
Posts: 803

Posted 1404788940	Reply with quote #11

When you knock or ring the bell take a step back, and be sure to smile! __________________ Phil - Zone 7A - Newark, DE Newbie fig lover just trying to learn.

Aaron4USA

Registered:1375832059
Posts: 2,969

Posted 1404789580	Reply with quote #12

David, that's what you can offer. But don't appear desperate to do anything...tell them you could help freshen up the tree, they would appreciate, especially if they are older people, then you can arrange another visit to execute the task.

Savage270

Registered:1400777993
Posts: 153

Posted 1404789640	Reply with quote #13

Great, thank you everyone for the advice :) __________________ David, North GA, zone 7b Growing figs since May 2014. Wish List: Cuttings: Kesariani, Battaglia Green, Col de Dama Rimada, Col de Dame Noir

pitangadiego

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Posts: 5,447

Posted 1404789813	Reply with quote #14

In one sense, there is nothing you can do to achieve your goal (though you can screw it up). It very much depends on the person who has the tree. If they are a giving, sharing, caring type, you will have a hard time not getting cuttings. If they are not that kind of person, you will have a hard time talking them into giving you cuttings. So, don't beat yourself up to badly, if you do not succeed - you may well not be the problem. Be a friendly, engaging, normal person, not a whack-job and you will do fine. The rest is up to the owner. I have found that leaving a note seldom, if ever, works. Better to return when someone is home,. __________________ Encanto Farms Nursery http://encantofarms.com http://figs4fun.com http://webebananas.com "pitangadiego" everywhere

rcantor

Registered:1309799312
Posts: 5,727

Posted 1404790416	Reply with quote #15

Be up front and tell them that you're a fig lover and part of a group of fig lovers and you're interested in their tree - where it came from, what color fruit, etc. __________________ Zone 6, MO Wish list: Galicia Negra, De La Reina - Pons, Genovese Nero - Rafed's, Sbayi, Souadi, Acciano, Any Rimada, Sodus Sicilian, any Bass, Pons or Axier fig, any great tasting fig.

Aaron4USA

Registered:1375832059
Posts: 2,969

Posted 1404791347	Reply with quote #16

...or, just wear your Black Ninja Suit for a night. I'll stop right there...LOL

jdsfrance

Registered:1376988473
Posts: 2,591

Posted 1404815588	Reply with quote #17

Hi, Or if yourshelf have a figtree with enough figs, bring them some and tell them they come from your tree, and you would be willing to get a sprout from their tree because it looks so beautiful and big, and perhaps swap one sprout from your tree for one of their tree ... You could try: "I have a small tree from my strain that I would like to swap with you" ... I'm wondering why I've been preparing some pots in the garden :P ... But in the end, they just might say : GET OUT OF MY PROPERTY ... And that's life ! Just prepare yourself for a "No", and don't take it too bad . __________________ ------------------------ Climate from -25°C to + 35°C Only cold hardy figtrees can make it here

RichinNJ

Registered:1374784282
Posts: 1,687

Posted 1404815772	Reply with quote #18

I always bring a bottle of wine. I go in the fall after the branches have hardened off if I want to take cuttings

Registered:1352993559
Posts: 412

Posted 1404820977	Reply with quote #19

I hate ringing bells and usually pass by many times hoping to catch someone in the yard. I always open with “I couldn't help but notice your beautiful fig tree…….” Most people are fascinated that we trade cuttings all over the world. Not 1 person would allow a cutting from a growing tree so I usually add “could I come back in Oct/Nov and get a small cutting….” Probably approached close to 30 people the last several years, only 1 bad experience. 99% are happy to share. Like one person said, when I do ring a bell I retreat down the stairs giving them plenty of room. I usually carry a letter or follow up with a letter with my name, address and phone number. Not 1 person knew their variety. Every person thinks their fig taste fabulous. Most people with dark figs call it black. I’m not above a midnight requisition. The way I look at it is the more figs I grow the better the critters eat. I’ve only done 1 midnight requisition. I must have rung this guy’s bell every day of the week at least 20 times total. I finally clipped a small cutting from his front porch. It didn’t root. Justice!

elin

Registered:1360863025
Posts: 1,272

Posted 1404830216	Reply with quote #20

just don't hold the pruning scissors in your hand when ringing the bell :) __________________ Eli ,Israel ,Zone 10? Too humid and hot, yada yada yada https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1298814119 Growing: Sbayi, Hmadi, Black Portugal, Black Brazil,Excell, Flanders, Hmari , RDB, Niagra Black,Natalina, CDDN,Maya, Preto Torres, Preto Arge

FiggyFrank

Registered:1347560723
Posts: 2,713

Posted 1404831046	Reply with quote #21

If I had someone knocking on my door inquiring about my trees, I don't know how receptive I'd be initially. Your approach would have to be very generous. Now if they stopped by while I was outside, I would feel a little more comfortable. But that's just me being paranoid and overprotective of my family. __________________ Frank zone 7a - VA

Mario_1

Registered:1398299123
Posts: 407

Posted 1404834326	Reply with quote #22

Good morning or good afternnoon may not be a bad way to start. __________________ Wallingford CT, USA zone 6a would be happy to meet and get together with other members near me Wish list; Any fig from any specific place anywhere in Italy

Savage270

Registered:1400777993
Posts: 153

Posted 1404836063	Reply with quote #23

Attempt 1: FAIL I stopped in this morning and knocked on the door (no door bell) and stepped back. After about 2 min still no one came to the door so I knocked again. The blinds opened and I saw someone looking out at me so I waved. A very elderly lady opened the door and asked "may I help you?". I replied by saying "I drove by and couldn't help but notice your beautiful tree. I was wondering if you knew what type of tree that is?" She just spoke to me through the door screen. I think she was hard of hearing because she asked "What?". So I repeated again. She just said "a fig". I then said "the tree is very beautiful, would you happen to know what kind of fig?". She replied "a fig". I then said "what about the type of fig?" and she replied "a brown turkey". Her tone was very suspicious the whole time and although my tone was very joyful and happy she didn't warm up. Then I asked if she would mind if I take a closer look at the tree. She said "I'd rather you not". Then I said "Ok ma'am, thank you so much for your time, have a wonderful day" and then I left. I pulled out and noticed that there was a shopping center next to the property so I parked my car and walked along the tree line out of site of the home and took the pictures. I wish I could zoom in better because the leaves were definitely not brown turkey. The fingers were very elongated. As you can see in the picture there was a lot of winter damage. I so wish I could have taken a close up picture of the leaves, it was so nice! __________________________________________________________ Attempt 2: SUCCESS I knocked on the door and a younger guy came to the door and asked "may I help you?". I said the same thing about driving by and noticing the beautiful tree. He was very nice and said they're not ripe yet, if you come back in 2-3 months they'll be ready. I told him I wasn't there for the fruit and that I was interested in just the gardening aspect and how I admire the leaf patterns and how they grow. He was so nice and asked me if i've ever had figs before and I said no. I told him I was currently growing and collecting figs and that I was new to gardening and I am waiting for my figs to ripen. He then said he'll be right back and came back outside with a jar of fig preserves and gave it to me :) He then said would you like a tour? I was like absolutely! So he took me to the tree and we talked about it for a bit. I asked how old it was and if he knew what type it was. He said that its probably over 50 years old and the fruit is a purplish brown fig. He said he is renting the house from an older lady and she said the same thing. He had a shovel and asked if I wanted to dig up some of the shoots growing on the side and that he didn't know any other way he could share. I then talked about air layering and how its a way to share a tree. He was very interested so I asked if I can come at a later date and make an air layer. He said please do because he would really like to see how it is done. After we talked for a bit he took me around his property and showed me his peach and apple trees as well as some blackberry bushes and asked if I wanted to pick some. Oh, he also said I am more than welcome to come and get chestnuts when they are ready from his tree. Chestnuts...? I don't even know what to do with those but then he explained that many people come in the fall and collect them. He also offered me to come and get fresh honey in about a month or so. I asked if I could take pictures to show my friends online and he said please do. These are the pictures I took. The leaves look like my celeste. What do you think? __________________ David, North GA, zone 7b Growing figs since May 2014. Wish List: Cuttings: Kesariani, Battaglia Green, Col de Dama Rimada, Col de Dame Noir

newnandawg

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Posts: 2,535

Posted 1404845359	Reply with quote #24

Typical Southern Brown Turkey I believe.

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Posts: 412

Posted 1404846328	Reply with quote #25

Quote: Originally Posted by Savage270 Attempt 2: SUCCESS Oh, he also said I am more than welcome to come and get chestnuts when they are ready from his tree. Chestnuts...? I don't even know what to do with those Congratulations! I probably had Chestnuts every year as far back as I can remember. They’re big around Thanksgiving, we always had them. You bake them in the oven. You need to make a little slit with a knife first otherwise they explode.

Savage270

Registered:1400777993
Posts: 153

Posted 1404847783	Reply with quote #26

Thanks mike, I think I already have a brown turkey, Goss says he thinks the 3013 Holly unk is a BT. I'm still going to go there and make a few air layers. We can both learn together. KK , do you have a chestnut tree or access to one? If you want I can collect a bunch when they're ready and send them to you. The owner says it's hard to find fresh ones in the store and they're expensive that's why he offered to let me come and take as many as is like :) I've never tried them before so maybe I'll pop one in the oven to try. I'm still so curious about the first house though. I'm thinking about going there tonight and plucking off one leaf just to try to identify it but my conscious is still debating the matter. Also I'm scared. __________________ David, North GA, zone 7b Growing figs since May 2014. Wish List: Cuttings: Kesariani, Battaglia Green, Col de Dama Rimada, Col de Dame Noir

newnandawg

Registered:1344130335
Posts: 2,535

Posted 1404851043	Reply with quote #27

David, can you go there and take some close up pics of the leaves and any fruit?

Savage270

Registered:1400777993
Posts: 153

Posted 1404853190	Reply with quote #28

I can follow the tree line to the edge but there's still about 50 feet of open space in direct line of sight between the edge of the shopping center property and the tree. If I stay on the road side of the tree then I'm out of sight of the house. I have to wait until dark, right now till dark that road is bumper to bumper and I'm still building up the courage to go. I'm trying to tell myself it's ok because they're widening the road from 2 to 5 lanes. I keep telling myself that the tree isn't taken care of and is in danger of construction crews bumping/cutting it. Let's say I do happen to get a cutting, do I put it in moss or wrap it up in paper towel right away or do I stick it in the fridge for a couple of weeks before I root? __________________ David, North GA, zone 7b Growing figs since May 2014. Wish List: Cuttings: Kesariani, Battaglia Green, Col de Dama Rimada, Col de Dame Noir

Savage270

Registered:1400777993
Posts: 153

Posted 1404853250	Reply with quote #29

I keep thinking about that tree! Can't get it out of my head. __________________ David, North GA, zone 7b Growing figs since May 2014. Wish List: Cuttings: Kesariani, Battaglia Green, Col de Dama Rimada, Col de Dame Noir

DesertDance

Registered:1247674606
Posts: 4,518

Posted 1404859938	Reply with quote #30

This is driving you nuts. You need to suck it up and go knock on the door! One minute out of your life, and how many have you spent worrying? I for one am looking forward to hearing the outcome. Up to you babe! You got the advice, now, suck it up and knock!! Suzi __________________ Zone 9b, Southern California. "First year they sleep, Second year they creep, Third year they leap!" Wish List: I wish all of you happy fig collecting! My wishes have been fulfilled!

brianm

Registered:1389664758
Posts: 971

Posted 1404860872	Reply with quote #31

It's not that hard, you aren't selling anything maybe say that first lol __________________ Wish list: Galicia Negra,UC Davis Black Ischia, Maltese Raven

Savage270

Registered:1400777993
Posts: 153

Posted 1404861395	Reply with quote #32

But I already did ask. Guess I'll never know. __________________ David, North GA, zone 7b Growing figs since May 2014. Wish List: Cuttings: Kesariani, Battaglia Green, Col de Dama Rimada, Col de Dame Noir

PhilaGardener

Registered:1389014416
Posts: 199

Posted 1404869304	Reply with quote #33

Maybe wait a while until there might be figs ripening on that tree, and then go back with a jar of fig preserves? You just found out what a nice ice breaker that can be! Just say you wanted to give it to her as a gift and ask how her tree was doing. If she still isn't friendly, there is always another fig somewhere down another street. __________________ Philadelphia Gardener Near Philly, but winters still feeling like Zone 6!

Savage270

Registered:1400777993
Posts: 153

Posted 1404870791	Reply with quote #34

True. I've mentally given up on this tree for a while. I might go back in a few weeks or months. I really like unique (to me) leaf patterns and this one in particular caught my eye. Earlier I was thinking about going there at night and sneaking around but I couldn't live with myself afterwards and every time I would look at the plant if I stole a cutting I would be reminded of that night. Shame on me for even think of it. I've learned from this experience and my curiosity for something should never trump morals or ethics or laws; I don't know what got into me?! __________________ David, North GA, zone 7b Growing figs since May 2014. Wish List: Cuttings: Kesariani, Battaglia Green, Col de Dama Rimada, Col de Dame Noir

MGorski

Registered:1399823521
Posts: 370

Posted 1404873890	Reply with quote #35

David, glad you had some success . Older ladies can have some fear of unknown people at thier door. I understand your frustration. I have gotten some good practice lately, when I see an interesting fig tree, I will knock and tell the owner I noticed thier fig tree, and wondered if they knew anything about it. I will let them know I am a fig enthusiast with a collection of many varieties myself. If it is a vigorous tree, I will not hesitate to ask if they mind if I take a couple of cuttings to try rooting a new plant. I have found most people seem interested in talking about thier trees. I has been my experience that most people don't know what variety they have. Some people can't even remember what the figs look like when ripe, and others will say something like "I don't eat them, but my mother loved them, help yourself". So far, most of my stops have been very friendly. I agree with Jon, a note will not likely get a response. Sometimes you just have to revisit and knock until someone answers. I have considered making a fig business card. It might help with suspicious folks. It can also be useful if you are at an event where you might run into other fig growers, like an ethnic festival. Mike in Hanover, VA __________________ Zone-7, previously Mescalito

Registered:1352993559
Posts: 412

Posted 1404944843	Reply with quote #36

Quote: Originally Posted by Savage270 KK , do you have a chestnut tree or access to one? If you want I can collect a bunch when they're ready and send them to you. The owner says it's hard to find fresh ones in the store and they're expensive that's why he offered to let me come and take as many as is like Thanks for the offer but I live 2 blocks from a farmers market and they have everything

RichinNJ

Registered:1374784282
Posts: 1,687

Posted 1404949268	Reply with quote #37

Quote: Originally Posted by KK Quote: Originally Posted by Savage270 KK , do you have a chestnut tree or access to one? If you want I can collect a bunch when they're ready and send them to you. The owner says it's hard to find fresh ones in the store and they're expensive that's why he offered to let me come and take as many as is like Thanks for the offer but I live 2 blocks from a farmers market and they have everything Is that the one at Williams Center Plaza?

Registered:1352993559
Posts: 412

Posted 1404953628	Reply with quote #38

Quote: Originally Posted by RichinNJ Is that the one at Williams Center Plaza? The one at William Carlos is only 1 or 2 days a week. It’s all grown in NJ, quality stuff but can be a little pricey. I live right across the tracks in East Rutherford. I grew up in Rutherford, same square mile my whole life. I go here http://www.insiderpages.com/b/5643755094/17-farmers-market-east-rutherford I try to buy only US grown stuff plus they have milk and eggs and fresh bread, 5 rolls for a $1. William Carlos used to be the Rivoli Theater As a kid we went to the Rivoli almost every Saturday.

RichinNJ

Registered:1374784282
Posts: 1,687

Posted 1404954206	Reply with quote #39

Quote: Originally Posted by KK Quote: Originally Posted by RichinNJ Is that the one at Williams Center Plaza? The one at William Carlos is only 1 or 2 days a week. It’s all grown in NJ, quality stuff but can be a little pricey. I live right across the tracks in East Rutherford. I grew up in Rutherford, same square mile my whole life. I go here http://www.insiderpages.com/b/5643755094/17-farmers-market-east-rutherford I try to buy only US grown stuff plus they have milk and eggs and fresh bread, 5 rolls for a $1. William Carlos used to be the Rivoli Theater As a kid we went to the Rivoli almost every Saturday. Thanks, we normally go to the Paterson market. We'll give this one a try.

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