My stone fruits are in various stages from full bloom to petal fall. It’s going to be 28 degrees tonight , I am OK with 10% lose but there are grafted, first time bloom stone fruits that I would like to have a chance of tasting them. What are quick and easy ways to protect branches, some are thick, some are thin and only 6-7" long?
If they are planted in a row,maybe one of those tube heaters,like they use at football games to keep players warm,sitting on a bench.I’ve rented one before.bb
https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Heater-Propane-Forced-Air-MH35FA/dp/B0000C6E3H
Large tarps that completely cover trees and are firmly anchored to the ground are your best protection. They trap accumulated heat from the ground, which for this kind of frost will be sufficient. I’m not worried so much about losing my peaches which are in a similar state, but one of my fig trees has leafed out enough to be damaged by any frost, including 30 degrees. What I’m also worried about is that it will be lower than forecast. If it gets below about 26 I would anticipate serious damage to most varieties at this point. However, it is going to be an extremely brief event. These things are difficult to gage.
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You are suggesting put an canopy over, not completely enclosed, right? I have a tailgate 8’x8 ’ canopy/gazebo,I am wondering if I managed to put over the tree, not sure exactly how tall is the tree, will that trap enough heat to raise temporary above the frozen?
One of the scions you sent me last year(thanks!), flavor train is blooming, 7-8 flowers . I really want to taste it. But it is not in a place that easily can hang a something as heavy as a heater . I am wondering if I hang few packs of handwarmer on/near that branch , will that be able to raise local area temperature above zero
Should I start a barn fire at where temperature started to fall below zero? I am wondering how large area it can protect and raise ambient temperature above zero
Do you mean bonfire? A barn fire might heat more than you wish.
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How many trees need protecting?Alan’s idea is probably the easiest and the more that is covered,will help.
The heater should be kept on the ground and a distance away,as they put out a lot.bb
You are correct, bonfire. I read it was/is a way to prevent frost in the field. How far distance to the tree it need in order to raise the ambient temperature. It looks like we are getting 6 hours of below zero temperatures
Putting tarps on top of trees is a good idea but with the wind blows, the tarp flip flops around may rub more buds off the trees than 10% of the freeze damage, may also accidentally break a few limbs which all filled with flowers during the process of putting the tarp over. This is what I am worried.
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It requires a large enough tarp to completely cover the tree and make a full tent without windows that is firmly anchored to the ground. If the wind is strong it can be tough but if you make a quick frame you can stop a tarp from slapping flowers.
Annie,
Your concern about causing damage by covering is legit. A few years ago. I tried to put tarp over my apricot and plum trees. We thought we secure the ropes well.
We underestimated the strong wind. The next morning, I woke up to twisted ropes and some twigs and tree limbs broken. My covering caused more damage than not.
If you plan to cover, make sure you really secure the tarp/blanket really well. I don’t bother this year. My trees are too tall to cover. I have not had any veggies out. Sometimes, laziness pays off 
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The tree is too tall to tarp it all, part of the tree is over the fence. You know how it’s in a suburb of a large city, say Chicago. I put a large trash can over a young Spring Satin which has two flowers, I hope it fruits and I got taste of it. I searched on internet that smoke at temperature turns under 32 will help. So I set up my firepit and I’m going to try the smoke /bonfire method.
All my potted plants that under 1gallon is following Illinois Governor’s shelter in place order, sheltering in door😂. Those large pots that are too heavy to move them inside are following US herd immunity fashion , all gathered together under a piece of tarp on patio with a heater. I will turn on the heater at night. Hopefully we are all tough enough to go through this terrible time for human (combatting the virus) and for plants(withstand the cold). It is not a good year this year.
I cover my peony that just show flower buds
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Annie,
If I were irises in your yard, I would revolt!! You are obviously biased against irises
I love your analogy. My figs follow our governor’s advice and stay indoors, too.
How low will it be in your area?
Lol. I love my iris. It is so reliable so easy to grow . Flowers look so exotic, pretty and flagrant. I know iris is tough in general. It can stand some frost. Hopefully It will be OK around 28 degree.
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