The earlier blooming of peach trees due to warmer winters increases the likelihood of damage from late-spring freezes, which can devastate crops. Extreme heat further stresses trees, reducing fruit quality and yield while making them more susceptible to pests and diseases. These challenges threaten the economic stability of the peach industry, which is vital to the agricultural economies of Georgia and South Carolina. The shift to lower-chill varieties also introduces risks, as these tend to bloom earlier, further exposing them to potential frost damage.