Do not plant stone fruits in areas of the state where the minimum winter temperature drops below -20 F. Apples and pears are hardier than stone fruits and except for very cold spots within the state should do well on suitable orchard sites. To build a good orchard, you need a good foundation. The ideal site is on rolling or elevated land, so that cold air can drain during spring frosts. Cold air is heavier than warm air and will travel down a slope to lower elevations. The vegetation at the base of the slope is also important.
Dense woods can act as barrier to the movement of the cold air.
The air moves down and is trapped by the trees creating a dam effect resulting in a back-up of the cold air. If tree rows are too close to the wood line then frost damage can occur when the air collects against the woods. The removal of 50 foot wide strips of all vegetation in the woods will allow the cold air to be funnelled down to a lower elevation. Although elevation is necessary sites that are directly on top of a hill or ridge must be viewed with caution. The exposed top of may be too windy or cold during the winter.