After a non-winter for central Pennsylvania, spring seems to have started off early as temperatures in March were 5-6 degrees above normal and now April, temperatures are still running above normal by 3 degrees. The early spring weather has allowed fruit trees and flowers to come out early in many locations which is concerning given hard freezes are still lurking yet in April.
The weather pattern this month still shows several shots of very cold weather heading our way during mid-month which could impact fruit tree blossoms. The image to the right are the low temperatures predicted for morning of April 18th.
Around central Pennsylvania, we typically have to be concerned for apple and pear trees as they are the most common fruit trees, and the ones impacted the most by hard freezes.
For damage to occur to fruit tree blossoms, temperatures need to be below freezing for a period of 30 mins or longer, Exposure for less than 30 minutes may result in minimal damage.
So if the forecast calls for freezing temperatures, what can you do to protect your trees.
1. Wrap your trees and burlap, sheets or tarps to protect them.
2. Spray them with water in the evening because when the water freezes it releases heat thus raising the temperature around the tree helping to protect the blossoms from long duration cold.
3. Plants should be covered or brought in if they are in pots to hep protect them.
Mid-month is when we need to be concerned for cold weather, but by the end of the month into early May, warm weather should settle in.
