Central New Yorkers might be struggling with the wild temperature swings of late, but Cornell University experts said most plants are managing just fine.
Some probably wonder if the recent stretch of warm temperatures caused early budding that could be damaged by a sudden freeze. Cornell associate professor of fruit crop physiology and climate adaptation Jason Londo said there has been initial budding in some ornamental species.
"We also had a nice cold winter, so the plants developed a lot of freeze defense," Londo said in a press release. "That means it takes a bit more warmth to trigger budbreak. What I’m watching for is another set of warm days back-to-back with a cold front following behind, which could set us up for frost damage."
He said it looks like persisting cool conditions will keep plants dormant for the time being.
