Question
Dear Dr. Vann,
We planted a 5 Gallon Black Jack Fig in Palos Verdes, Ca on June 15, 2008.  I put 2 0-10 gallon drippers at the base and water for 40 minutes every 3d day.
Yhe tree grew well this summer.  It set about a dozen figs.
Everything looked good until I went to look at it October 1.  All the leaves had suddenly withered and died within a few days.  I fed all my trees including the fig on October 1. The  cambium layer under the bark is green.
Should I keep watering the tree now that it has no green leaves?  Is it dormant or dead?  Should I spray it? With what?
Thank you for your kind attention to my question.
Sincerely,
Bob Fisher

Answer
Bob:
I believe this tree is a deciduous tree and will drop its leaves for the season. They usually get faded before dropping. Check in with a good botany reference book on this as I am not real sure. But be careful on the watering- you can overdo that and lead to real problems in the roots, especially if the soil doesn't drain too easily.

Regards
Steve