A First After 10 Years

[Bijan]

I've been growing figs in containers for since 2005. Today, for the first time (at least that I can remember), I dropped a tree. I mean, I've dropped them from a very short height and/or recovered without causing damage. This was not one of those instances. I dropped a newly rooted cutting that was potted up and moved outside about a month ago. I dropped it about 1.5' onto a brick retaining wall then it tumbled down the wall about another 3' and landed upside down.

The tree did not break, but the roots did. There were a few roots left on the tree, but there were a lot more in the container. I repotted the tree and put it back into shade. I have two more of the same variety which are doing well plus two more cuttings in the fridge. I'm not so worried if this one doesn't make it. I am glad to see how much root growth the tree has made in just a months time.

[COGardener]

Well that sucks, but things happen. Sounds as though the tree will most likely make it with a little TLC. Thankfully you have spares in the event that is doesn't make it. Don't beat yourself up over it, this like this happen to us all.

[F. Bennett]

I've had some very close calls. I think it's just a matter of time for me.

[GregMartin]

Message to pot makers...we fig shufflers need handles on all our pots!

[cjmach1973]

I have seen handles on 20 gal tree pots

[MSfiglake]

i have had old brittle pots break and drop while moving them by the rim.

[cis4elk]

Butterfingers happen. This spring I had a cupped fig which I was looking at and thinking "great, your ready to pot up". And then I dropped it. Luckily it was a backup from a valued tree and I only sheered off about half the roots, which set it back a few weeks. It is now fine.

[Tonycm]

James, I hope it makes a comeback for you. You're not alone when it comes to breaking trees. So far, "knock on fig wood" I haven't dropped a tree but I'm sure it will be a matter of time. I've had a list of other accidents though.
Moving pots during spring shuffle I've broken off branches and figs.
Trying to arrange the trees I've picked them up by the main trunk and have broke them especially when they rooted themselves into the ground.
Pulling the hose to reach the tree on the end and breaking either branches or figs.
I guess I'm a bit accident prone, but all's well, they healed and survived.

[Bijan]

Thanks everyone. I repotted it and put it in the shade. The leaves are droopy this evening, but I think it will make it. If not, I have extras. It is an unknown from a non-forum, fig friend in Austin. He has five trees (one is a Celeste I gave him many years ago) and I really only wanted cuttings from one of them. He insisted I take more. I got some off a second tree, but I really do not know anything about this tree.

[Bijan]

Well now twice in a month.

I've built a draining rack out of a 55 gallon poly drum cut to the first ring. I had 8 trees on it. I turned my back and it flipped off the table onto 10 trees below. One tree on the track had most of its root mass broken, and had to be repotted. On the ground things were much worse. 4 trees broke within a few inches of the soil line. A few of those and some others were bent over to the point of snapping some roots. Fortunately, all are duplicates.

[rusty hooks]

belt and suspenders time James....don't feel bad....just prepare yourself for #3....they come in threes.....

I had a couple early this year as well.....I'm now a tip toe through the figgy's guy...and being very careful for #3

[DBJohnson]

Any idea who put this hex on you?

[rusty hooks]

Boat anchors help.....

[COGardener]

James,

I just chalk it up to sh*t happens. Deal with it, get over it and move on.

I'm sure they will all recover rapidly.

[jmaler]

These things happen. It'll pass.