Morris County farm works overnight to protect fruit crops from freezing temperatures
CHESTER TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Morris County) — As temperatures dropped into the low 20s Tuesday night, a Morris County farm worked through the overnight hours to protect its fruit crops from potential frost damage.
At Alstede Farms in Chester Township, crews took action to safeguard tender buds on emerging crops as cold conditions threatened the season ahead.
Frost busters were used to blow 200-degree heated air through the apple orchards, while anti-frost candles — about 80 per acre — were placed among pear, cherry and plum trees to raise temperatures by up to 4 degrees.
Three large fans circulated air in the apple orchards to prevent cold air from settling, and double row covers were placed over strawberry patches for additional protection.
These measures were used to help shield delicate buds from the overnight cold, allowing crops to continue developing as the growing season progresses.
The effort reflects the realities of farming, where sudden temperature swings can require immediate, overnight response to protect future harvests.
