Hi there. Last year I waited until April 15th because of the deep-freeze that occurred on the third and fourth. The 10 day forecast shows lows not less than 40. Would it be okay to uncover them on Monday or should I wait?

Tough call.  If you uncover them, I would have a sheet ready to throw over them on freezing nights.  I won't tell you yes, otherwise you will be cussing me if a deep freeze comes.  ;)

Been asking myself the same question.....

Here's the forecast:

No ne can decide that for you.  You might peek at one to be sure it hasn't started leafing out or molding.  That would influence your decision. 

Hi All, I am thinking about waiting till Wednesday to see how the weather holds up. I have 3 in the garage in pots and 1 on my lawn, wrapped.  I unwrapped too early last year and the tree did not fruit at all.

I started taking them out of storage 2 weeks ago. If I have time, the wrapped figs will get uncovered today. Central NJ.


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After light snow yesterday, my forecast shows temps >38 F for the next two weeks starting tomorrow.  I'm probably going to uncover the in-ground plants very soon.

My potted plants will stay indoors for the next 2 weeks at least.  I may begin to shuffle a few (not breba-bearing) that are leafing out. 

I opened mine? I monitor it now. If we get a cold evening forecast i give it a quick wrap in some burlap or cotton bed sheet.


   Chris

    Zone 7A 
    Toms River NJ

Covers came off today. No dieback!

Only concern is that there were a lot of surface roots that I cut back heavily (some were 1/2" thick) because they were ruining the grass. I have to put some sod where the roots were taking over. You can see the "soil" patches on the ground. I'm sure there's plenty of deep roots to compensate for the pruning. I hope I didn't damage it as some roots were kind of big. I followed up with a nice soaking of SUPERTHRIVE and water. 🤞

WOW!!
Your trees look sensational, and what a beautiful job wrapping.
Good luck, looks like you're off to a great start

Are those the trees that you set up heat lamps on last year during that cold snap?
 They look familiar.

I also couldn't wait.  I took covers off two trees (6 still covered).  Those two look great -- no evident damage.  

The good news is perhaps not surprising.  The minimum temps here this winter were +5-10 F, compared to the more typical -5 F.  But it's heartening nonetheless. 

Are fig trees pretty tolerant of root pruning? There's one decent size trunk that had a 5/8" root exposed that I cut about 2" from the base on the tree to the right. It seems like there's plenty of roots holding it into the ground. This was a decent sized root that established sideways that I cut (sort of like a branch). I hope didn't kill that part of the tree.

They are both Celeste but the one to the left doesn't have as many exposed roots as the one on the right. Any thoughts?

This is my one container fig tree: a Kadota.

I'll probably move it outside by the end of the month.

Following one's own local nature way is best.
Our NJ street trees are currently with 'swelling' leaf/flower buds.
I have said it before; this may be the right time to 'let them doggie-figs' out.
No guaranty though, recent crazy weather has been known to misbehave.

Enjoy;

Mine in ground trees are losing their winter coats next week but I'm leaving a perimeter of stakes around each one to drape tarps if there's chance of frost...

All the potted trees are well out of the garage. I'm doing the shuffle daily. I built several huge carts so I can move everything in or out in minutes...

My situation is a bit different than most of the city. I'm right on Lake Ontario and against an escarpment that keeps me a bit milder than most. I'm not that cocky though.... Worst case I can add a bit of heat or put fans out. I don't have many in-ground trees to worry about....

I don't recommend that anyone in my area follow my lead... It's a dance

mine were starting to mold so I uncovered

I opened up my coverings in Boston yesterday to take a peak. They looked fantastic -- no dieback, still green and flexible branches. Will probably uncover by April 10. As soon as you see the lilac buds open and the crocuses come up and the forsythia bloom it is okay.