Judy. The white patches on your tall fig tree’s leaves that are not powdery mildew could be due to sun scald or nutrient deficiencies. Sun scald occurs when plants that aren’t acclimated to direct sunlight are suddenly exposed to it, causing the chlorophyll in the leaves to break down and leave white patches. Nutrient deficiencies can also cause discoloration in leaves, including white patches. The Osmocote you applied is a timed release fertilizer and it may be releasing fertilizer more slowly than the tree needs. For sun scald try gradually acclimating your tree to direct sun light.

  Your Chicago Hardy fig may have a fungal disease, that could be causing the brown speckles. The are a few fungal diseases that can cause this symptom: fig rust, Septoria leaf spot or Cercospora leaf spot.

  For the lack of fruiting, there are several factors that could be at play. Fig trees require specific conditions to produce fruit, including adequate sunlight, proper watering, exposure to cool temperatures and fertilization. If these conditions aren’t met, the tree may not fruit. Also the sunny porch location where they spend the winter may be preventing the trees from going into dormancy which they need to produce fruit. See the PSU factsheet link on winterizing fig trees.

  Here are some steps you can take to address these issues: Acclimate your fig trees gradually to outdoor conditions by slowly increasing their exposure to direct sunlight over a period of several days. Ensure proper watering for both trees. Overwatering can worsen fungal diseases, while under watering can stress the plants. Feel the soil with your finger to check for moisture. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry. Fertilization: Consider a balanced fertilizer for fig trees during the growing season (usually spring and summer) to promote healthy growth and fruit production. However, avoid over-fertilizing. Pruning: Prune your fig trees in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth and improve air circulation. This can also help with light penetration for the inner leaves. Both light penetration and air circulation reduces the chances of getting a fungal disease.

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Ohioline Growing Hardy Figs

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Thank you for responding. I guess I want info for what to do now ,so I at least have attractive potted figs. Should I remove the leaves (most all of them). Should I prune them back. Both trees already have branches well-spaced for good air circulation The tall tree is probably a turkey fig.  Could you be more specific on recommendation for a balanced fertilizer? The warning against overfertilizing has me concerned about the compost and Osmicote  I already added. Are they adequate or is there something that would work as a short-term boost.  I read the articles, and I am sadly unable to get them to a cold/but dark insulated location for winter dormancy. It was all we could do to haul the tall one from patio to sunroom, Next year I can try tucking the small Chicago Hardy under some shrubs to block out the sun. I thought this variety could handle temps below 30 below zero. Not sure if that is only for in ground trees. Should It be insulated?  Unless we build a storage shed the tall fig will just have to stay outside, where it does get morning sun. One article said fig trees need 100 days of dormancy to bear fruit. Do we even have 100 days of cold enough weather in Columbus?
Should I spritz the  little Chicago Hardy with neem oil?  I usually make a spray of water,3 T neem, 1  T castile soap and few drops of peppermint oil to large spray bottle.
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On Friday, May 24, 2024 at 09:26:17 AM EDT, Ask Extension <ask> wrote:</ask>

  Yes any leaf that show signs or symptoms of disease can be removed. If the tree is growing properly and is getting air and light penetration then you can let it be for now.

  A balanced fertilizer is a fertilizer that has all three primary nutrients Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium (N-P-K on the fertilizer label) in approximately equal amounts. Balanced fertilizer comes in either granular or water soluble (liquid) formulations. Granular fertilizer last loner in the soil while liquid fertilizers are faster acting, the nutrients are readily available to the tree, plant. Depending on how much Osmocote was used and how the trees are growing, responding is your best guide on whether more fertilizer is needed now.

  If you don’t have a dark location you can cover them. Any material but plastic will suffice. Putting them under shrubs may help provided it’s a deep shade under the shrubs.

The winters in Columbus should provide adequate low temperatures (below 45F) for dormancy. Dormancy is nessary for fruit production

I wouldn’t used the neem oil. Neem oil is an insecticide and shouldn’t be used unless there are insect pests harming the trees which are susceptible to neem oil. The use of any pesticide without cause should be avoided.