Black mission fig trees are ideal for the environment in Tucson. They are drought-tolerant and produce a significant amount of fruit after about three years of initial growth. If you’re considering a black mission fig tree for your home, talk to your landscaping company’s certified arborist to find out how if this kind of tree is right for your landscaping and how you can help it thrive.
Choosing a Season and Location
Typically, black mission fig trees should be planted in the fall or early spring. This will give them an opportunity to establish themselves before summer temperatures soar. These trees do best in an area of the yard in which they will get a lot of sunshine. Your landscaper can help you choose a location that is both healthy for your tree and that complements your existing landscape design.
Watering
Although black mission fig trees are drought-resistant, they will need to be watered to thrive. During the summer, they should be irrigated once per week. You may need to increase watering during extreme heat waves. During the other seasons of the year, watering every two weeks should be sufficient. However, if unusually warm weather occurs, consider increasing your watering schedule.
Maintenance
As with all types of trees, working with a certified arborist is the best way to keep your black mission fig tree healthy. The tree will benefit from light fertilization during its growing season, which is May, June, and July. About half a pound of nitrogen fertilizer used over that period of time and watered in should be sufficient. An arborist can also prune your tree as necessary to ensure it continues to thrive.