Germantown, MD – Orchard owner Tyler Butler of Butler’s Orchard announced that this fall’s pick‑your‑own apple experience will be markedly smaller after an unexpected freeze in April drove temperatures down to 24°F for several nights. The cold snap nearly wiped out key varieties such as Fuji, leaving the orchard with a reduced on‑tree harvest.
Reduced on‑tree supply and a shortened season
Butler shared an “apple crop update for 2026” on social media, explaining that while the apple‑picking season will still begin this Saturday, the window will be brief. “We don’t expect it to go into Labor Day,” he said, noting that the limited fruit will be allocated on a first‑come‑first‑served basis. However, he emphasized that there will be no shortage of pre‑picked apples available at the farm market.
Pre‑picked apples and cider prices rise
To compensate for the lower on‑tree yield, Butler’s Orchard has partnered with regional farms that escaped the worst of the freeze, ensuring a steady supply of pre‑picked apples throughout the fall. Despite this, customers should expect modest price increases for fresh apples and orchard‑produced cider. “When you grow your own, it really helps bring the cost down,” Butler explained, but the need to purchase additional apples for cider production has pushed prices upward.
Fall festivities remain on schedule
Even with the limited picking opportunity, Butler encourages families to visit the orchard for other seasonal attractions. The farm market will feature the orchard’s popular apple cider donuts, which were not affected by the frost. Additionally, a pumpkin festival is slated for the end of the month, with a robust pumpkin crop thanks to ample rainfall this year.
What visitors should know
- Pick‑your‑own apple season starts Saturday and may end before Labor Day.
- Bring a basket early; selection will be first‑come‑first‑served.
- Pre‑picked apples and cider are available at the farm market at slightly higher prices.
- Apple cider donuts and a pumpkin festival will be open throughout the fall.
Butler’s Orchard remains committed to providing a family‑friendly fall experience despite the challenges posed by the April freeze. Residents are invited to support the local farm, enjoy the seasonal treats, and make the most of the limited apple‑picking window while it lasts.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
