Peaches likely suffered damage from the snowfall due to the cold temperatures and the weight of the snow on the branches.
When snowfall occurs, especially if it is heavy or accompanied by freezing temperatures, it can have several adverse effects on peach trees and their fruit. Firstly, if the snowfall is unexpected and occurs during the blooming period, it can damage or kill the delicate blossoms, which in turn prevents fruit development. This is particularly problematic because peach trees tend to bloom early in the spring when there is still a risk of frost or snow.
Additionally, the weight of accumulated snow can break branches, especially if they are already laden with fruit. This not only damages the current year’s crop but can also harm the overall health and productivity of the tree in subsequent years.
Furthermore, if the snowfall leads to a prolonged period of cold, it can damage the fruit itself if it has already set. Peaches are not frost-hardy, and a freeze can cause the fruit’s cells to burst, leading to spoilage. Even if the fruit survives, the quality may be compromised, resulting in a less desirable product.
In the long term, significant snowfall and cold can affect the tree’s vigor and yield. If the tree experiences severe damage or stress, it may produce fewer peaches in the following year or take several seasons to recover fully. Orchard managers often take preventive measures such as frost protection techniques, careful pruning to strengthen the tree structure, and selecting varieties that are more resistant to cold to mitigate these risks.