Hail can damage the fruit, shoots, and limbs of a fruit tree. The level of injury depends on the size and shape of the hail and the duration of the storm.
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Damage:
Shredded, torn, and/or blown off leaves
Twigs and branches may be tattered, split, or completely broken.
Pitting of the fruit; some fruit be completely knocked off of the tree onto the group.
In the event of a severe hail storm, some young trees may need to be replaced if there is significant injury.
It can take a very long time for a tree to recover, especially if there was previous decay by fungi or insects/pests.
Management & Care:
Immediately begin clean-up efforts and evaluate the damage (watch for any new diseases such as fire blight, bacterial canker, etc.)
Apply biodynamic tree paste and microbes sprays to severe bark wounds
Provide quality after-care of the trees (water, fertilize, mulching, etc.)
Consider installing chicken wire or hail netting to protect trees from hail damage
Sources: Michael Phillips, “The Holistic Orchard”, USDA, Missouri Botanical Garden, Michigan State University Extension, and Patrick L. Byers, Horticulture Specialist