Mich. fruit tree growers sustain less frost damage

5/16/2013

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Michigan fruit tree growers who suffered devastating freeze losses one year ago seem to have sustained less serious damage from this week’s late frost.

Growers took extraordinary steps ahead of Monday’s frost and freeze warnings, using helicopters, wind machines, orchard heaters, and bonfires to keep the cold temperatures from nipping blossoms.

Michigan State University extension agent Bob Tritten says some apple trees in southeastern Michigan had “as much as 50 to 60 percent bud kill,” but there still could be a good crop barring further cold weather.