Hie all its winter here in Australia and i am potting up my figs into 5 gal SIPs. the containers came with lids and i was wondering if i can put them as a cover  shown below:


  I put the lids on for 2 reasons:
1. to reduce evaporation
2. I have a big problems with birds pecking at my potting mix and they expose the roots. they dig in deep too.

Will putting the lid on with some holes help against evaporation and yet provide enough aeration for the potting mix?

Hi,
Testing with one tree first would be better.
I suspect that the lid would rot the roots, because of lack of direct sun, of fresh air, keeping too much moisture and turning the pot into a pressure cooker.
The choice is yours; I'd try with one tree of lower value, first .