Why Spring Frost Threatens Tree Fruit
Cherry and apple blossoms are extremely sensitive to cold. A night below 32°F during bloom can damage or destroy the flowers, leading to significant crop loss.
That’s why protecting tree fruit from frost is one of our most critical tasks during spring.
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We Monitor the Forecast Constantly
At Chelan Ranch, we monitor the weather closely every spring, especially overnight lows. One of our best tools is the AgWeatherNet Spring Frost Program, developed by Washington State University. AgWeatherNet provides real-time weather data from hundreds of stations across the state, including temperature, humidity, wind, and dew point readings critical to orchard frost protection.
This data lets us anticipate cold snaps and know when to be highly alert. It helps us decide when to turn on wind machines, apply protective sprays, or implement additional frost mitigation strategies.
AgWeatherNet is essential for Washington farmers to make informed decisions about protecting their crops and preserving the quality of the fruit.
What Are Wind Machines and How Do They Work?
Wind machines are tall towers with large rotating fans designed to prevent frost damage in orchards.
Here’s how they work:
- They pull down warmer air from above and mix it with the cold air at ground level.
- This raises the air temperature just enough to keep blossoms safe.
- Fans rotate 360° to cover all directions.
- Each machine is set to turn on at a trigger point—usually 33°F—and shuts off when temperatures return to safe levels.
- One wind machine typically protects 10–12 acres of orchard.
These machines are most effective during calm, clear nights with a strong temperature inversion.
Spring Maintenance is Essential
Before bloom season begins, we thoroughly inspect every machine, checking motors, fuel, control systems, gearboxes, and temperature settings. Reliability is key since frost protection often kicks in during early morning hours when every second counts.
What About the Noise?
We get it—wind machines are loud. Some compare the sound to a distant helicopter, especially in the quiet hours before sunrise.
But that sound is a lifesaver for those growing fruit in north central Washington. It means the orchard is protected, the fruit is safe, and the season can advance. In our region, it’s just part of spring.
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See Our Orchards in Action
Whether you’re a local or visiting Washington’s fruit country in the spring, you’ll likely hear wind machines in action. It’s just one of the many tools we use to farm with nature and protect the harvest from the beginning.
Want to see it for yourself? Join us during bloom or harvest!
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