Well... what kind of impact will these negative degree temps have?

General Fruit Growing
#1

I’m in 5A. Central Illinois. I have Peaches, Nectarines, Apples and Sweet Cherries. I believe that we were down to around -10 deg F. Daily temperatures around 5. What kind of impact to my trees should I expect? Is this going to kill them? Branches? Fruit buds?

#2

Probably they will survive ok. I grew up in W Tn where winter temps could be that low for a week or so each winter. My parents had apples and peaches which never seemed to suffer from the cold. If you have concerns about prolonged freezing, you might consult your local county extension agent who could best advise you about your questions and possible protective measures such as applying a leaf mulch around the base of trees.
Dennis
Kent, wa

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#3

It really depends on how cold hardy they are, some apple and some sweet cherry varieties can handle down to even zone 2 or zone 3 Vermont. Others are way more sensitive.

As far as I know the fruit buds of Peaches, Nectarines could only get damaged by that kind of temperature when they are coming out of dormancy, although there are plenty of varieties of peaches and nectarines that I know nothing about.

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#4

You will learn the answer come spring. There are a lot of variables to factor in.

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#5

The Illinois extension office has some limited information on youtube where it mentions temperatures below -9 can kill. I’ve been this low before and never lost anything… but I’ve since added other varieties. Guess we will see. I won’t be able to resist checking on the dormant buds much sooner than spring.

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#6

The trees should be fine. I am in central Illinois as well.

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#7

You are likely in NO trouble. But if it gets to -30 next month…then more liklihood of damage Or if it gets to -30 in late Feb…even a bigger concern.

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#8

Only way to know is to keep track of your lows and then in spring see what has a good bloom and doesn’t. Raspberry Red had maybe a dozen blooms last year after at least 5 nites between -10F and -13F (which for here is a mild winter).

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#9

Most peach dormant flowerbuds are in trouble if it gets around -12 F. And this storm seems to have arrived early so nothing may be fully dormant. Sweet cherries are somewhat hardier than peaches.

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