I agree with Ingevald that "the" Sanford is a "caprifig" from UCD. Actually there are S.1,2,3... variants. I recenlty got one (unreqested) single twig (less the #) - it rooted, and may I just to add, it it quite hardy. My only interst in caprifigs is "just" to re-understand their fruiting behaviour - no fig wasps here - I did use them before in my old place - per the advice of my mum. Had also tried to-hard-to-root some of the "edible" and more useful caprifigs; not sure, but I think I got one... Good luck with your vendor's patenting the S.(common) fig name (enough fig confusion already exists).

Ralph :The tree is still young as it started again,about 2 years ago ,and also you left too many trunks this Spring. Now leave them on ,all of them till Spring,and then in April,cut all except 3 trunks well spaced between them,and continu cutting sucker off till August when you stop cutting them and let them be till the Following Spring when you chopp them off again,minus 3,that you let grow for the Sommer. This type of Managgement is needed here in New Jersey and all outside the native growing area of the fig. You will have fruits guaranteed if you do this. Also this growing Season was worse in New Jersey and I too had poor results from some of my best trees like my Violette de Bordeaux. Best Regards

thank you so much harvey for your response. i should have done more research before creating these things. they weren't cheap and took a while to make. i said earlier i made "a few", but i actually made 14. i was embarrassed to admit it if it was a bad design! i had seen people wrap the plants with tarps, and read how important it is to keep them dry. so i figured i needed an enclosure, but i didn't think too much about airflow or moisture. as some people bury the entire tree under the soil, i figured that would keep the branches just as moist as keeping it in an enclosure. but i guess that is a different kind of moisture. i was hesitant to punch holes in the enclosures, in case it is better to keep them closed to keep out rain/snow, but maybe i'll raise them a couple inches off the ground and let the airflow come in from the bottom. and keep a couple that i don't raise just to test the difference. any other thoughts are greatly appreciated.

I personally think decking boards look better on a back door than a front, but it can be done in a way that is appropriate looking for a front, just needs a more formal look. ARe you thinking of doing the work yourselves or hiring someone? If you are hiring someone I would call some places that specialize in front porches and see what their ideas are. Could you replace the concrete with pavers? They have more give an don't crack.