fig tree yellowing

[TexasGunOwner]

Can anyone tell me what's going on with these two young fig trees? They were looking great until they started yellowing, and possibly burning(?) over the weekend. I fertilized them about a month ago.

[Wulfespirit]

When were they planted? They look young... if they're recently planted its not uncommon to have a bit of die off in leaves as roots establish and repair.

Doesn't look like they're burned to me.

How often are you watering? Too much watering in any kind of compacted soil can cause yellowing like that too as the roots struggle for air.

[TexasGunOwner]

Planted them March 2013, winter ice killed off the tops. This year has been a little wetter. Last year I watered once a week, was a dry year.

What's a good rule of thumb for watering? If it's moist an inch under the top, don't water?

[Belfrybat]

I had the same problem with a three year old fig tree that died back this winter. It came back from the roots, looked great, then started dying. It is completely dead now, and I have no idea why. It wasn't overwatered, but we have had more rain than the past couple of years, but not excessively so. The same thing happened to a redbud tree about 30 feet away from the fig. I have no idea what is going on. I am sadly now figless.

[Harry Chickpea]

Figs are susceptible to anthracnose. You may need to spray with anti-fungal and carefully remove and destroy the affected leaves. Also, figs can need feeding to flourish. Miracle grow.