Athens peach farmer protecting crop from freezing temperatures

This early spring freeze could hurt sensitive plants

Thanks kate.

Farmers in north alabama are taking steps to protect their crops from the freezing temperatures tonight.

Waay 31's olivia schueller went to isom's orchard in athens to find out what they're doing to help make sure their peach trees survive the cold.

These peach trees just need a little more time before they produce fruit.

But freezing temperatures over the next few days could damage these little buds.

Wes isom, owner of isom's orchard, said they're considering spraying the trees down with water to help protect them from freezing temperatures.

Sot wes isom, owner of isom orchards very concerned, we may run the water and we may not.

The water sprayed on the peach trees will form a protective layer to help hold in heat.

Sot isom what we have coming up here tonight, temperatures projected to be in the upper 20's and if that's a prolonged spell, four to five hours.

Serious damage could occur.

Peach trees bloom as early as february.

The earlier they bloom, the more suseptible peach trees are to damage from freezing temperatures.

January's ice storm caused some concern when ice accumulated on the trees for over 4 days.

If temperatures fell to low teens or single digits, it could have killed on the buds.

Isom got through the winter and is now facing more weather-related problems. isom where this one is still showing the pink, this husk has started to dry.

This fruit would be just a little more susceptible to this fruit here.

April is the month that really keeps farmers on their toes.

If the weather starts to get warm, isom should be able to sell peaches around memorial day.

Reporting in athens, olivia schueller waay 31 news.