Why Helicopters May Hover Over New York Orchards This Week

New Yorkers might get treated to a rare sight this week: helicopters hovering over their local apple orchards. It all has to do with physics... and protecting this year's crop.

New York state is famous for its agriculture, with the apple industry being one of the biggest stars. Like all crops, apples are dependent on the weather for a successful season... but after the "apple apocalypse" of 2023, many farmers can't risk another loss.

Helicopters are often used for reasons other than transportation. For New York apple orchards, it's increasing warm airflow (Fishkill Farms via Instagram)

How Helicopters Help New York Apple Orchards

Spring is off to a sputtering start this year in the Hudson Valley. Sunny stretches have been constantly interrupted by rain, snow, and hail (often on the same day), and while the generally-warm month of May is less than a week away, a frost advisory is currently in effect for many regions of New York. That's why some orchard owners are calling their favorite helicopter pilot.

Another tool apple farmers can use to fight frost may be counterintuitive: "frost irrigation", which involves insulating blossoms in ice (Wirestock via Canva)

New York Apple Orchards at Risk of Frost Damage

"We were thinking of our apple farmers today with the 32 degree temperatures!", began a recent post from Adams Fairacre Farms. "Sometimes they use a helicopter and heaters to keep the apple trees warm. It’s amazing to us what our farmers do to be sure everyone has apples". Here's how the "helicopter trick" works.

Using Helicopters to Fight Frost in New York Apple Orchards

Helicopters, which have been used for years in this type of operation, can act as giant fans, blowing warmer air back down to earth to counteract the freezing temperatures on the ground. Often times, the helicopters are used in conjunction with heaters or even small fires, which create even more warm air for the helicopters to disperse over the orchard (below).

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A post shared by Fishkill Farms (@fishkillfarms)

A member of the Crist family, who owns Crist Orchards in Walden, NY chimed in to share that while helicopters have been employed in the past, the orchard currently relies on 15 wind machines to circulate the colder air and disperse "cool pockets" on the farm. Freeze warnings continue overnight in the Hudson Valley until early Friday morning April 26th.

11 People Including Rangers, Climbers and a Helicopter Needed to Rescue Hiker

injured climber rescued by New York Forest Rangers, Assistants and Volunteer Climbers

Gallery Credit: Tad Pole

15 Places To 'Pick Your Best' At Apple Orchards in Upstate New York

One thing that makes Upstate New York so special is that we usher in the seasonal harvest with events, festivals, family functions, and parties. Apple-picking season is no different.

There are a100 different places to pick-your-own apples this year. Many of these places are small family farms, some that have been around since the 1800s. And almost all offer extra fun things to do after you have gone picking.

Here are 15 favorite Upstate New York places to pick-your-own apples, and have some great old fashioned fun to boot!

Gallery Credit: Chuck D'Imperio