Cold and snowy weather is keeping cherry growers up at night in much of Eastern Washington.

In the mid-Columbia region and elsewhere, many are scrambling to protect the delicate buds from subfreezing temperatures and snowstorms.

Don Olmstead of Grandview says his damage has been less than he feared. He says the biggest risk is at the edge of orchards, low elevations and southern slopes.

Another grower, John Pringle of Kennewick, says it's one of the coldest Marches he has seen in 41 years in the business.

Both spray water and use wind machines to protect their trees. Water releases heat when it freezes and the giant fans drive the warm air through the orchards. Others use heaters fueled by propane or diesel.

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Information from: Tri-City Herald, http://www.tri-cityherald.com