Why do citrus growers sometimes spray trees with water before a freeze? How does this work?

Question

In terms of the heat of fusion and the heat of vaporization.

Answer 1

The freezing water insulates the fruit from the cold air.

Answer 2

Citrus growers spray trees with water to prevent freezing because in order for the water to freeze it has to give up a lot of energy. That energy is in the form of heat and that energy as heat is absorbed by the fruit and thus, if the freeze does not last too long, the fruit will have enough energy as heat to keep from freezing themselves.

Clever huh!

Answer 3

Suprisingly freezing actually keeps oranges warmer
The water releases energy so that it can freeze and become a solid and also creates a protective barrier around the oranges