Third vote (confidently) for leaf rust. The tree should come back beautifully next year. Also, I would agree, the suckers next to the tree should be removed. Are there two trunks on the tree? At first I thought there was a large branch coming off the main trunk in NE quadrant of the picture. On second glance, it looks like a second trunk that grows straight up and bends towards where the hose bib is. Are there any branches on that trunk? IF THIS WERE MY TREE (I capped that to avoid confusion and, consequently, being yelled at), I would be tempted to remove the second trunk (especially if there are no branches on it). Also, I would remove the lowest branch on the main trunk (the branch pointing off to the left of the picture). Otherwise I think you have a beautiful tree. ~james

Well, very unfortunate, Suzi, sorry to hear that. Be sure to treat your Anna as well. Both tree make some decent apples, and they are our "early" low chill apples. But, I would consider putting in a couple of later apples. I would recommend Fuji and PInk Lady (Cripps). If you think Anna tastes good, you'll flip over Fuji. Fuji is an A++ in flavor, compared to Anna, which would be a B. No comparison. Same for Pink Lady, just a really nice apple. Plus ,you'd then have early and late apples, sort of nice to have. Patty S.

Esmeralda, They look to me like a type of: sunflower, thistle, nettle, etc., seedling, cultivated or wild, even possibly zinnia or dahlia seedlings. They may be some kind of squash family seedling: cucumber, zucchini, or melon. How they got into your fig pot could be any possibility, like: wind blown in, present in the potting mix before the fig was planted in the pot, accidentally or purposely dropped/ planted into the pot by an animal, especially squirrels, who knows? In my estimation, they are harmless, just pull them out as you find them if any more appear. If you are adventursome/curious, carefully pot a few up, and see what they turn out to be. If they turn out to be weeds, pitch them. Moses

Thanks! I think that was the problem. I am watering everyday now they seem to be plumping up . Pic from today- fig on the left is getting close. I only lost 2 or 3 figs which isn't too bad. Lots more on the way. Any figs that show up in Sept will not have time to ripen.