Fig advise

canuma · Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2008 10:37 am Post subject: Fig advise

Hello, I have had a little upset with my Fig, one of the bigger branches has died Sad

, I'm not sure why this had happened, I have checked and double checked. I know the tree needs re-potting very badly, so I'm putting it down to this.

But what I'm really asking is, what do you think of dead wood on a fig ? if you think it would look OK do you have any pictures to show me ? Or am i better off just chopping the branch off and re-potting the tree?
Thanks.

Stymie · Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2008 11:04 am Post subject: Re: Fig advise

Deadwood is not usually featured on any broadleaf species. You must decide if the design of the tree needs the branch or if its removal will create an imbalance which is inacceptable to you. The retention or removal will do little to affect the health of the tree.

imholte · Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2008 1:36 pm Post subject: Re: Fig advise

If you were going to add deadwood to a tree it would need to fit the whole tree. just adding a jin to an existing tree would make it look out of place. Jin and shari are visual signs that trees are growing in difficult places and the tree should reflect that on the whole tree and not just one spot. An example would be a graceful feminine maple... a jin would look out of place for the tree is telling a story of growing in a secluded meadow, not a rocky outcropping exposed to wind, rain, snow, and lightning.

mr.schefflera · Posted: Thu Mar 27, 2008 1:57 am Post subject: Re: Fig advise

a jin on a ficus would rot very quikly

andycarter · Posted: Thu Mar 27, 2008 12:03 pm Post subject: Re: Fig advise

you could always give it a go and let us have a look. if the jin looks awful it can then be removed, nothing lost. bit of jin practice and a branch that you may remove either way.

andy

Carol · Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2008 6:27 am Post subject: Fig advise

Here's a couple of links to my Ficus benjamina - it objected strongly to our extremely high temperatures and water restrictions, and demonstrated its displeasure by dropping all of its leaves - a natural defoliation! Wink

I thought it was dead, but continued to keep it moist etc., and it decided to leaf out again. I was reluctant to chop the dead trunks and branches until it regained its health, but now, while it isn't everyone's "cup of tea" I rather like it and have decided to leave it as is (with a bit of trimming and refining) - at least for the time being.

See what you think - I won't be insulted if you hate it!! Rolling Eyes

Cheers
Carol

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k11/Carol396/FicBen2-3-08.jpg

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k11/Carol396/FicusBenjamina3-08.jpg