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Questions and Answers: 2014

Question: My fig tree (hardy Chicago, about 10' tall) has been prolific in bearing fruit but this year it is completely …

• Question

  My fig tree (hardy Chicago, about 10' tall) has been prolific in bearing fruit but this year it is completely bare, without a single leaf. I am in zone 6B. We did have a severe winter. Is it definitely dead, or is it worth waiting to see if any growth appears? I don't want to replace him if there is a chance it might come back. Thank you.

  Answer

  Dear Terry, figs will frequently die back to the ground in northern climates after cold winters like this past one. It will likely regenerate. It would be wise to wait a few more weeks before cutting the dead top growth (to make sure it's not just leafing out late) and then look for new shoots from the base to sprout. Given that this winter was especially harsh, there is a chance it could have been killed entirely; however, it may still be alive, especially if it has overwintered in the past. Good luck.