Spring has arrived in the Yakima Valley, bringing one of the most important times of the year: bloom. Across eastern Washington, fruit trees are waking up, with apple orchards in the middle of bloom and blueberries just beginning to flower.
While it is a beautiful stage, bloom is also a critical time. Each flower has the potential to become fruit, but once it opens, it’s highly sensitive to spring conditions. Warm days followed by cold nights can quickly put the crop at risk, especially when temperatures drop below 32°F.
To protect the bloom, our growers rely on tools like wind machines. Because cold air settles low and warmer air sits above it, these machines pull that warmer air down and circulate it through the orchard, helping reduce the risk of frost damage in the most vulnerable areas.
To protect the bloom, our growers rely on tools like wind machines. Because cold air settles low and warmer air sits above it, these machines pull that warmer air down and circulate it through the orchard, helping reduce the risk of frost damage in the most vulnerable areas.
Another key method is the use of water. In a desert climate like ours, irrigation is essential and also plays a role in frost protection. When water is applied and begins to freeze, it releases heat, helping stabilize temperatures around the bloom. At the same time, it increases humidity, slowing how quickly temperatures drop.
When used together, wind machines and water can make a meaningful difference during cold events.
