At What Point Do You Give Up On A Tree?

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Centurion

Registered:1293429646
Posts: 810

Posted 1402786297	Reply with quote #1

Hi All. Just mulling over a few things and would like some input. We have 17 varieties growing here, and all are still relatively young trees. Most are in their third year. I have some that are doing exceptionally well, and some others...not so much. But many different varieties offers an extended harvest season and...well...variety. I have an unknown that put out very small figs last year and appears to be doing the same again this year. If they at least taste ok I may give it another year, or then again, maybe not, because the figs are half the size of the smallest fruit on any of my other trees. Another Green unknown is from a local guy I met when we moved in. The fruit last year was not very good. Syrupy sweet, with not much real flavor. I have a Celeste which is not thriving. It has many off colored FMV affected leaves, is growing much slower than the others, but it does put out great fruit. (So likely a keeper anyway). My 5 year old VDB is thriving, but not putting out good fruit. This year's brebas are all dry and inedible. Last years fruit (the good figs anyway) was very sparse. So...do some trees simply take longer to mature than others? Might their fruit be better after the fourth or fifth years? Give them more time, or pull them out while they're small and (relatively) easy to replace? I realize that some trees will do better than others in different climate and soil conditions, and am thinking that a few of them (such as the VDB) might just not do well here. What would you do? __________________ Dave Verde Valley, AZ Zone 8

coop951

Registered:1217167527
Posts: 596

Posted 1402787471	Reply with quote #2

Hi Dave Before you get rid of them try the pinching technique. There is lots of information here on how to do it and it might just take them out of their doldrums. I am a pinching convert. Worth a try __________________ Coop Northern NJ Zone 7a

Centurion

Registered:1293429646
Posts: 810

Posted 1402788090	Reply with quote #3

Me too Coop. Most of the trees are producing very well. We didn't get our usual late frost this year, so I am anticipating a huge crop. Except for the few laggards... __________________ Dave Verde Valley, AZ Zone 8

Gina

Registered:1330452963
Posts: 2,260

Posted 1402790339	Reply with quote #4

I'm not that patient. If a tree hasn't given really good tasting fruits within 3 years or so, I'll give it away. Maybe someone else will do better with it. There are so many really good figs that I know I like, I'd rather grow duplicates of those than waste space, time, and resources on anything less than an 8. Productivity and vigor help, but taste trumps everything. I've even completely destroyed a couple figs because I see no point in distributing total losers. I'd rather make extra air-layers of really fine figs for people than give them duds. __________________ WillsC's new fig forum: http://www.Ourfigs.com (and blueberries)

drphil69

Registered:1390113240
Posts: 803

Posted 1402796769	Reply with quote #5

At least get this year's harvest before you decide! There is also a lot of info on here regarding FMV treatments, which may help your affected trees "grow out" of it. __________________ Phil - Zone 7A - Newark, DE Newbie fig lover just trying to learn.

rcantor

Registered:1309799312
Posts: 5,727

Posted 1402800668	Reply with quote #6

I'd try more fertilizer, trace elements and frequent watering. I'm sure your soil and climate is worse than that of the Mediterranean. __________________ 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.

Centurion

Registered:1293429646
Posts: 810

Posted 1402801150	Reply with quote #7

^^^ Good ideas Bob. And you too Phillip. I'll give them a try. It's hot here, and it's been quite windy too. Dries things out fast. So we'll give the laggards one more season anyway. Kinda weird to see one tree thrive and pump out fruit...8 to 10 feet away from tree planted at the same time which isn't. But that's part of the fun of lots of different varieties. __________________ Dave Verde Valley, AZ Zone 8

rhopkins

Registered:1333592653
Posts: 106

Posted 1402849790	Reply with quote #8

Are you still putting the lime on your trees. If so are you watching the Ph? Just wondered your status on the lime. Richard __________________ Richard Hopkins South Western Arkansas Zone 8A Wish List: Keeping The Trees I Have Happy!

jdsfrance

Registered:1376988473
Posts: 2,591

Posted 1402863251	Reply with quote #9

Hi centurion, Search for potential rodent damage near the trunk. Killing for killing, fertilize them three times what you normally do - whether they fly or they sink ; but you'll have no remorses - do that now to let the trees the time to absorb and use the fertilizer. You might as well only see the results next year . __________________ ------------------------ Climate from -25°C to + 35°C Only cold hardy figtrees can make it here

paully22

Registered:1195324538
Posts: 2,719

Posted 1402868561	Reply with quote #10

Used to be a difficult decision. Not anymore. I have a good selection of in-ground trees that are reliable, productive & tasty. This helps me in my decision making. I have been cutting back on my collection as many variants are not suited to my zone. If I do keep them(reported exceptional quality one's), its more for trading.

Centurion

Registered:1293429646
Posts: 810

Posted 1402869946	Reply with quote #11

Ya, good advice jdsfrance. I may let them go this season and next, but any that don't produce well by next year, that's it. I feel the same way Paully. I just want to give them a sporting chance to thrive and produce. I have mostly only one of each varieties, with just a couple duplicates, so if I rip one out, that variety is gone for good. The VDB is funny. Most of the fruits on it are smallish and dry and not edible. But I just picked one today that was quite good, if on the dry side. It is on my berry drip line and gets daily water, but maybe not enough, so I'll give it a few deep waterings. I sent you an email Richard. I limed several of my trees this afternoon. That may be the issue for some of them. I hit them pretty heavily last year, but had neglected the lime until today. Maybe that will help. (Sure hope so). Lots of great ideas and suggestions from all of you. Thanks for that, and don't anyone feel shy about jumping in. I am always learning. __________________ Dave Verde Valley, AZ Zone 8

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