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Can blooming plums survive 26 degrees? #744290

Asked April 14, 2021, 12:29 PM EDT

Hello! I live in the Alamo Placita neighborhood of Denver and our plum tree is full of open blossoms. I'm worried about the expected lows in the 20s overnight this week. Should I cover it? If so, what is the best way? Wrap the branches in light fabric? It's still pretty young and short, so wouldn't be difficult to cover. Thanks!

Denver County Colorado

Expert Response

Springtime in the Rockies can certainly be problematic. Many trees are in full bloom in Denver now. Here is an excerpt from an article about the effects of freezing temperatures on blooming fruit trees written by North Carolina State University "For most fruit trees, open blossoms and the phase just after petal shed are the most sensitive to frost or freeze damage. During this time, temperatures of 28 degrees are expected to kill 10% of blossoms. Losing 10% of their potential fruit load could actually be helpful to many fruit trees, which tend to set many more fruits than they can support. The danger comes when temperatures fall any lower – a dip down to 25 degrees could kill up to 90% of blossoms and severely limit this year’s crop. From a practical standpoint, there is little that can be done to protect fruit tree blossoms. Small trees could be covered with row cover or plastic but covers will need to completely envelop plants and extend fully down to the ground to provide protection."

Because you said your tree is small you might want to cover it to the ground when the forecast temperature is going to be lower than 28 degrees.


Colorado Master Gardener, Denver County Replied April 15, 2021, 5:23 PM EDT

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