Volunteers clear storm-damaged orchard

Published 9:47 am Monday, July 20, 2015

WATERTOWN — Residents in Carver County spent the weekend cleaning up debris scattered by a tornado.

The EF-1 twister touched down early Saturday morning in the communities of Watertown and Hollywood.

At LuceLine Orchard, owners were expecting one of the best years for apples. But, now it’s the worst. The orchard lost half of its 10,000 apple trees which produced varieties like Honey Crisp and Sweet Tango.

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According to a press release, owner Terri Traen said the loss is depressing and sad. Traen said it takes four or five years for a tree to reach prime production.

Volunteers worked Sunday to remove the thousands of dead apple trees. Neighbors, friends and even people the Traens never met before helped clear debris.