While fig trees are surprisingly hardy, they still need a little TLC when the temperatures drop. If you get a really deep freeze, those delicate branches can take a hit. There are a few different ways to tuck your fig tree in for the winter, depending on where it’s planted.
Winterizing In-Ground Fig Trees
If your fig is planted in the garden, you’ll want to start bundling it up in late autumn. This is super important for younger trees, especially if you’ve just recently transplanted them outdoors. Start by giving the base a thick blanket of mulch—wood wool or dried grass clippings work great for this.
Next, wrap the trunk securely with burlap or a coconut fiber mat. If your tree is still on the smaller side, go ahead and wrap the crown with some winter garden fleece to keep the frost off. For those big, established trees with massive canopies, you usually don’t need to worry about wrapping the top—and honestly, it’s probably too big to manage anyway!
One quick tip: wrapped trees tend to catch a lot of snow. If you get a heavy snowfall, make sure to gently shake the branches so the weight doesn’t cause them to snap.
Wintering Potted Figs Outdoors
You can definitely keep a potted fig outside during the winter, but you have to protect the roots as well as the branches. Since the roots are stuck in a container, they can’t grow deeper into the warm earth to escape the frost, which makes them vulnerable to damage.
To keep them cozy, place the pot on a thick piece of Styrofoam or a heavy wooden board to insulate it from the cold ground. Then, wrap the pot itself in several layers of burlap or even some thick cardboard.
Bringing Your Fig Indoors
If you live in a region with brutal winters where outdoor protection just isn’t enough, it’s best to bring your fig inside. The perfect indoor spot would be somewhere bright but cool, like a frost-free stairwell.
An unheated (but frost-free) sunroom or conservatory is also a fantastic choice. While your fig is hanging out indoors, keep a close eye on it for any unwanted guests—aphids can sometimes be a nuisance in the winter. Also, remember to dial back the watering and skip the fertilizer entirely until spring rolls around.
