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  • Inground Covered Fig Trees and Condensation

    Hi all! I just took a peek at a couple of my trees and they have completely no dieback even after the bitter cold snap we had for a good week a few weeks back. For those of you who took to my experiment with the spike lights and heat lamps, it must have worked! Anyway, it was about 62 degrees here today in Northern NJ and had to urge to look inside.

    While the trees are in great shape, I noticed a bit of moisture buildup on the paper side of the pink insulation (facing the tarp) ODDLY on the north side only. Luckily the paper has done a good job of absorbing the moisture but the pink insulation is completely dry. I did notice a little bit of white fuzz on the top of the longest branch. I can't imagine that the additional heat provided by the lamps weeks ago are responsible although they were positioned on the north side.

    Is moisture buildup typical under wrapped trees when mild temps set in? The ground is not wet and there is no moisture on the bottom of the trees so my only guess is that the mild temperatures are causing "sweat" to occur underneath the tarp. I must say that I was VERY surprised how much warmth the layer of insulation provides when I reached in to loosen up the cloth to get a peek.

    Should I keep the buckets off above certain temps to lessen the moisture build-up? I'm a bit concerned the mold will become a problem although it is only the paper on the north side (and in isolated patches - not the whole length) where the moisture occurs.

    I know some of you also wrap your trees in a similar way - with a layer of insulation. Have you ever run into this issue? Is it normal? Any advice is appreciated!

    Below are some pics of the green!

    You may only view thumbnails in this gallery. This gallery has 3 photos.

  • #2
    I don't have any experience with wrapping trees but my cups condense water more on the side facing away from the sun which I would assume would be the north side of your wrapped trees.

    Keeping the buckets off seem like a good idea unless it gets cold.

    A 10% bleach solution could take care of the mold on the branch if you think it's needed.
    Don - OH Zone 6a Wish list: Verdolino, Black Celeste

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    • #3
      Is this something that will clear up or will it be problematic?

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      • #4
        I have run into issue while back and unfortunately by covering them tis way is tricky because keep heat in very well when cold. Also keeps heat in very well when is warm also. I normally cut open hole lower portion of tarp and then on top as well. Or remove bucket feuding the day to allow airflow and then no mold with form
        Or rot tree. If temps drop below freeze over night tape hole shut and put bucket back. Otherwise depend on you zone and your done getting severe winter weather. Uncover completely and just use tarp for protection against cold nights. I Almost remove tarp today but they say more snow on way to us😔
        Zone 5 Chicago IL Wish list:
        1) Rest peacfully Amico Bello Buddy 👼🏼.
        2) This weeks ebay auctions.

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        • #5
          From what I can see, there's some tips on the other trees with the most sun exposure that have white fuzz. I know cuttings are very susceptible to rot from this. I'm worried that it may be a problem being that it's only March. It's 61 out now but supposed to drop 31. Seems like the problem is the warm up during the day. I loosened the buckets on top for now but can't remove them because it's supposed to dip again.

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          • #6
            Originally posted by Taverna78 View Post
            I have run into issue while back and unfortunately by covering them tis way is tricky because keep heat in very well when cold. Also keeps heat in very well when is warm also. I normally cut open hole lower portion of tarp and then on top as well. Or remove bucket feuding the day to allow airflow and then no mold with form
            Or rot tree. If temps drop below freeze over night tape hole shut and put bucket back. Otherwise depend on you zone and your done getting severe winter weather. Uncover completely and just use tarp for protection against cold nights. I Almost remove tarp today but they say more snow on way to us😔
            Since no rain is in the forecast, at what temperature do you recommend leaving the buckets off without causing any cold damage? I'd obviously leave the wrapping intact until end of April when chance of freeze is over.

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            • #7
              50F+ carefully 60F+ easily. Remember insulation keeps much warmer inside. We have wind to worry about. May only be 45F but strong wind lowers temp drastically. If anything just vent during day cover at night if drop below 50F. Tis how our weather change so fast.
              Zone 5 Chicago IL Wish list:
              1) Rest peacfully Amico Bello Buddy 👼🏼.
              2) This weeks ebay auctions.

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              • #8
                Yesterday warm budding trees and today snow storm.
                You may only view thumbnails in this gallery. This gallery has 2 photos.
                Zone 5 Chicago IL Wish list:
                1) Rest peacfully Amico Bello Buddy 👼🏼.
                2) This weeks ebay auctions.

                Comment

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