Sounds like it is time to root prune and refresh the soil. It is a good idea to do this every 2-3 seasons.

The best time for repotting and root work on F carica in WI is in spring, just before the onset of budswell. Root compaction, depending on severity, can be extremely limiting in terms of both growth and vitality, so it's best to avoid that condition by attending to roots regularly. If you were growing the plant only for the sake of appearance or the satisfaction of the accomplishment of bringing along an attractive tree in a container, I'd suggest that you repot this vigorous tree annually; but since fruiting is probably the primary consideration, I think every other year is probably best.

Soil choice is a very important and deciding factor when it comes to your plant's ability to grow to its genetic potential, so if you want to do yourself a favor insofar as advancing your container gardening skills, learn all you can about container soils. The embedded link I just left will help you understand some very important tenets known to all accomplished container gardeners. This link, tending trees in containers, should also be very helpful and covers root pruning methodology as well as drawing delineation between the practice of only potting up vs (fully) repotting, the later of which includes bare-rooting and usually root pruning.

Good luck.

Al

Thanks so much for the detailed info. and links, Al! Great to learn all this!

as for telling wether or not a dormant fig is alve,gently scratch the bark in a place where a little scratch won't affect the overall appearance of your fig. just under the skin it should be green if it's still alive. hope this helps. :)

Thanks, asleep! Yes, it helps. :-)