Temperatures dipped into the upper teens in some of North Carolina's western counties earlier in the week and that took a big toll on fruit growers.

Howard Taylor says his peach crop at KT’s Orchard in Canton is now a total loss.

He says wintertime warmth in December, January and February prompted his peach trees to blossom early, and this week he says temperatures hit 18 degrees. 

“Them being three weeks early, we were right just about to shucky-split, which is when pedals start falling off, when they're most vulnerable," he said. "And that freeze hit, it wiped them out."

On the bright side, Taylor says his apple trees are in good shape. He says they’re at the green tip stage and should fare well with normal temperatures through the spring.

While disappointed in the loss of his peach crop, Taylor says he's diversified with apples, pears and berries and they're all doing well.

Source - https://wlos.com