ALPINE, Utah — A glance at Burgess Orchards, with its grounds encased in ice, might suggest a crop lost to the overnight chill. However, the frozen layer is an intentional measure to protect the fruit.
For a century, Burgess Orchards has navigated the challenges of Utah's weather. Derek Rowley, a manager at the orchard, says the state's spring weather is always unpredictable.
Faced with a recent cold snap, Rowley decided to turn on the sprinklers, coating the budding trees with a protective layer of ice to help them survive the overnight freeze.
“As water turns from a liquid to a solid, that chemical reaction raises the temperature just a little bit," Rowley said. "And sometimes that’s all you need."
Rowley explained that a milder winter caused the trees to bloom earlier than normal. He is hopeful that the method will prevent any significant damage from the cold.
