Sorry, I meant zone 8!

We have plenty of gophers here also, and everything we plant goes into a gopher wire cage. We buy them by the dozens! Google "Gopher Cages for Plants." We have no dogs or small children so we have a poison dispenser and are always trying to stop the munching. Some people trap. Others use car exhaust.

I would take some cuttings and root an extra Kadota or two for back up. If your tree makes it to dormancy, I'd then dig a big hole, either make or buy a gopher wire basket, and move the tree there. At some point, the tree will outgrow the basket, but it helps protect the main tree from being entirely destroyed.

Good luck!

Thanks so much Suzi! I wish I had known about the cages before I planted! I'm starting cuttings but hope that darn gopher doesn't get the tree

I hope he doesn't get your tree also! I remember at another home, picking a beautiful rose. I held the rose in my hand while deciding where to cut and the whole plant came out in my hand. NO ROOTS! Those critters easily tunnel from one neighbor to another, one town to the next here in California! If you can find his tunnel, stuff an ammonia soaked rag down in it. They hate that smell and might go over to the neighbors. Endless battle here on 1.5 acres bordering wilderness. At least Kadota is a common fig and easy to find at the garden centers. OH, and it's just one of my favorites when ripe! Pure sweet rich honey!