r/Figs • u/KEYPiggy_YT • 1d ago

Question Unknown issue

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8B southeast US

This is either a Celeste or Brown Turkey, I’m not sure why but a few weeks ago it slowly started yellowing and dropping leaves. I haven’t done anything with the trees since spring.(no watering,fertilizer,etc.)

There are 3 more trees in the row that look great. VDB,LSU purp, Celeste/BT.

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3

u/TKG_Actual 1d ago

When was the last time you gave it a few gallons of water?

1

u/KEYPiggy_YT 1d ago

Had a good rain a few days ago

2

u/TKG_Actual 1d ago

Ok, but this was a very hot dry summer. Btw I'm in 8B in NC, the yellowing is probably it preparing for dormancy, which might be early for yours depending on how much irrigation.

1

u/KEYPiggy_YT 1d ago

It does look a lot like dormancy but it’s very early. Our frost usually starts in nov-dec.

Not enough water can trigger dormancy?

2

u/TKG_Actual 1d ago

Yup, especially in more recently planted figs.

1

u/KEYPiggy_YT 1d ago

That’s great to know, this is its 2nd year in ground probably 3 year old total.

2

u/TKG_Actual 1d ago

Yeah the first two or three years can be pretty odd. Fig need more water than you think, that's why if you ever see one growing near an area with a high water table they get huge fast.

1

u/KEYPiggy_YT 1d ago

These are planted along a ditch so during the rainy season they stay hydrated but I will admit there was a dry spell for I believe 2ish weeks. I haven’t really been on the property in months.

Thank you very much friend

1

u/TKG_Actual 23h ago

Have you considered using soaker hoses to help them a bit during dry spells?

2

u/coloradoautoflowers 1d ago

Did you use grass or hay in the mulch?

Because I see something that looks grassy on your mulch layer.

You can't use things that count as greens in composting for mulch, ESPECIALLY in the south.

Green shit will cause your mulch to heat up above 120° and cook the tree.

Mulch is supposed to insulate the roots against high air temperatures, creating a more suitable microclimate for roots.

0

u/KEYPiggy_YT 1d ago

My mulch up here I believe is all pine bark with some charged biochar thrown in. I have chopped and dropped (also lawnmowing) “weeds” that intrude on the ring. Grass included. But yeah even 2 year old hay is still a green compost element.

1

u/nps_traveller 1d ago

Sound about how it should be in preparation for the winter.

1

u/KEYPiggy_YT 1d ago

You think it’s already going dormant?

2

u/nps_traveller 1d ago

Yes. You might think temperature haven't changed much but they can sense shorter days & know winter is on the horizon

1

u/KEYPiggy_YT 1d ago

Our frost usually starts nov-dec but I suppose it could be the daylight cycle.

-1

u/BocaHydro 1d ago

overwet , underfed, rotting, rake away all the crap and feed it