How To Save A Fig Tree

If your fig tree is looking sad, you might be wondering how to save a fig tree. These resilient plants often bounce back with the right care. This guide gives you the essential steps to diagnose problems and nurse your tree back to health.

We’ll cover everything from proper watering and sunlight to fixing common issues like leaf drop and pests. With some patience and these maintenance tips, you can enjoy a thriving, fruit-bearing tree for years to come.

First, don’t panic. Fig trees are tough. Saving one starts with figuring out what’s wrong. Look at the leaves, branches, and soil. Is it a care issue, a pest, or the weather? Once you know the cause, you can take action.

Diagnosing Common Fig Tree Problems

Start by checking the leaves. They tell you a lot about the tree’s health.

Yellow Leaves: Often means too much water or poor drainage. Soggy roots can’t breathe.
Brown, Crispy Leaves: Usually a sign of underwatering, too much sun, or wind burn.
Leaf Drop: This is common! Figs may drop leaves from shock after moving, from over/underwatering, or at the start of dormancy in fall.
Small Leaves & No Fruit: Typically a lack of sunlight or nutrients.

Next, inspect the branches. Are they flexible or dry and snapping? Scratch a small piece of bark with your fingernail. If you see green underneath, the branch is still alive. If it’s brown and dry, that part is dead.

The Essential Care Checklist

Once you’ve diagnosed the issue, follow this core care plan. Getting these basics right solves most problems.

1. Sunlight and Placement

Fig trees need full sun. That means at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Without it, they grow weak, produce few fruits, and are more prone to disease. If your tree is in a pot, move it to a sunnier spot. For in-ground trees, consider if nearby plants or structures are now casting shade.

2. Watering Correctly

This is the most common mistake. Figs dislike wet feet. Water deeply, but then let the soil dry out a bit before watering again.

For Potted Figs: Water until it runs out the drainage holes. Then, don’t water again until the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry.
For In-Ground Figs: Water deeply once a week during hot, dry spells. Established trees are very drought-tolerant.
Winter Watering: Cut back drastically. Water potted trees just once a month to prevent the roots from completely drying out.

3. Soil and Drainage

Excellent drainage is non-negotiable. Use a well-draining potting mix for containers. For garden planting, if your soil is heavy clay, amend it with compost or grit. You can also plant figs in a raised mound to improve drainage around the roots.

4. Feeding and Fertilizing

Figs aren’t heavy feeders. Too much fertilizer, especially nitrogen, causes leafy growth at the expense of fruit. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth appears. A second light application in early summer is plenty. Stop feeding by mid-summer to let the tree harden off for winter.

5. Winter Protection

Cold damage is a major threat in cooler climates. Young trees and those in pots are most vulnerable.

After leaves drop, wrap the tree in burlap or horticultural fleece.
Mulch heavily around the base with straw or leaves to insulate the roots.
For potted trees, move them to a garage, shed, or against a sheltered house wall. They need protection from freezing winds.

Step-by-Step Rescue for a Struggling Tree

Follow this sequence to give your tree the best chance.

Step 1: Assess and Prune Dead Material

Using clean, sharp pruners, remove any dead or diseased branches. Cut back to healthy, green wood. This prevents decay from spreading and allows the tree to focus energy on healthy growth. Don’t do a major aesthetic prune now—just the essentials.

Step 2: Check and Fix the Roots

For a potted fig that’s struggling, gently remove it from the pot. Check the roots. Healthy roots are firm and white or tan. Rotted roots are mushy, black, and smell bad.

If you see rot, trim away all the affected roots with sterile scissors.
Repot the tree in fresh, well-draining soil and a clean pot with drainage holes.
Water it once to settle the soil, then wait until it needs more.

Step 3: Adjust Watering Immediately

Based on your diagnosis, correct your watering schedule. If the soil is waterlogged, let it dry out completely. If it’s bone dry, give it a thorough, deep soak. Going forward, stick to the “deep water, then dry” method.

Step 4: Address Pests and Disease

Common fig pests include scale, spider mites, and mealybugs. Diseases like rust or root rot can also occur.

For Pests: Blast them off with a strong jet of water. For persistent issues, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, applying it to the undersides of leaves.
For Leaf Rust (yellow spots): Improve air flow, rake up fallen leaves, and avoid wetting the foliage when you water.
For Root Rot: Improve drainage immediately. This is often the only cure.

Step 5: Be Patient and Monitor

Recovery takes time. Don’t expect new growth overnight. Keep the tree in its ideal light and water conditions, and watch for signs of improvement over the next few weeks. Resist the urge to over-fertilize in an attempt to speed things up; this can cause more harm.

Preventative Maintenance for a Healthy Tree

Prevention is easier than rescue. Stick to this routine.

Annual Pruning: Prune in late winter when the tree is dormant. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. This opens the canopy for light and air.
Regular Feeding: That light spring feeding is key for steady growth and fruit production.
Mulch Annually: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base in spring. This conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and feeds the soil as it breaks down. Keep it a few inches away from the trunk.
Seasonal Adjustments: Change your care with the seasons. More water in summer heat, less in winter, and protection from frost.

FAQ: Saving Your Fig Tree

Why are the leaves on my fig tree turning yellow and falling off?
This is most often due to overwatering. Check that your pot drains well and let the soil dry between waterings. It can also be a natural response to cooler fall temperatures.

Can a fig tree come back after losing all its leaves?
Yes, absolutely. If the branches are still flexible and show green when scratched, the tree is alive. Ensure proper care, and it should leaf out again in the growing season.

How do I protect a fig tree in winter?
Mulch heavily around the base and wrap the branches with burlap or fleece. For potted figs, move them to a sheltered, unheated space like a garage where they won’t freeze solid.

What is the best fertilizer for fig trees?
A balanced, all-purpose fertilizer (like an 8-8-8 or 10-10-10) applied in early spring works well. Organic options like well-rotted manure or compost are also excellent.

My fig tree gets plenty of sun but doesn’t fruit. What’s wrong?
It might be getting too much nitrogen (from lawn fertilizer, for example), which promotes leaves, not fruit. It could also be too young; some figs need 2-3 years to mature. Ensure you aren’t overwatering or over-fertilizing.

Should I repot a fig tree thats not growing?
If it’s been in the same pot for several years, it might be root-bound. Check the roots. If they’re circling tightly, it’s time to repot into a slightly larger container with fresh soil.

Remember, fig trees are survivors. Even a tree that looks hopeless can often recover with consistent, correct care. Focus on the fundamentals—sun, water, drainage, and protection—and you’ll likely see your fig return to its former glory.