How bad a problem it is depends a lot on the site and region, as you know Scott. Sometimes it is a major hassle to keep up with all the cutting necessary at a couple of sites I manage. I've even had to cut down Methely plums on a couple of occasions because it is a typhoid Mary of black knot. On large trees it can get out of hand on that variety. A site with high dew, eastern shade and nearby infected cherries is a perfect storm, but sometimes it has been a problem at sites where I couldn't figure the cause. On my property the issue is driven mostly by eastern shade and the plum part of my nursery is now in the best eastern exposure on my site. For the first ten years I grew plums here it was never a problem, now I have to cut out all the black knot every month during the growing season in my nursery and some of the orchards I manage.

Right you are, noss! Herman2 explained exactly what happened to my dearest fig tree, Steve. After a Greek friend of mine, Steve Kordis passed away, his back yard was torn out and Steve the Fig Tree was thrown away. Left out in a trash pile last August for four days in the brutal sun, Steve the Fig Tree had full root exposure. I found the dead stick that he had become. I took it home, planted it, watered it one time and just ignored it. In December, Steve had a leaf pop out at the top! Over the winter it made a weak recovery, and in early April, I got two black figs. I ate them, and a month later, the tree just took a terrible turn for the worse. I couldn't understand it until Herman2 offered up his wisdom about a dying momma tree. But now, in it's organic orchard, mulched heavily, Steve is rebounding. By the time I put him in the orchard, all he had was 3 tiny penny sized leaves. So sad. But he's back! Thanks again for the 'dying mother' explanation, Herman2.

hi tony. herman is right your tree should be fine. but if you decide to use leaves watch what kind of leaves you use, maple leaves get soggy and produce mold, oak leaves are great. if not if you can get a hold of a bale of straw(not hay) it makes an excellent insulation. you could also use the carpet like you said after first having wrapped in burlap and finally water proof with plastic tarp, make sure to pile some soil all around the bottom of the tree soil is also a great insulation. good luck marcantonio

I can`t put it outside its always indoors. How i can get better chance getting leaves like that? Many fruits have droped now and noticed some few new flowers growing at the moment, should i wait them to grow before removing fruits?