Danger of early blossom

How farmers and gardeners protect trees from frost

Father Martin and son Markus Mair from Rietz in Tyrol protect their apricots with a foil tunnel.

(Bild: Birbaumer Christof)

Nature is waking up earlier and earlier from its winter dormancy. This harbors dangers. One night of frost can destroy all hope of a good harvest. How fruit growers counter the risk of late frost and what a master gardener advises owners of home gardens. 

The apricot trees of the Mair family in Rietz in Tyrol are ready to go! "Flowering will probably start this week," estimates senior boss Martin Mair. It's not only in Tyrol that the fruit crops are record-breakingly early this year. No wonder - according to meteorologists, January and February were the warmest on record.