[ProtectOurFreedom]

Do you still light smudge pots, too?

[Parmy]

Yes, but because of the fuel cost, as well as the smoke problem with smudge pots, most growers are covering fewer acres with more wind machines.

Propane is still used to some extent, but water is preferred.

It was discovered some years ago that running under-tree sprinklers in conjunction with the wind machines was extremely effective. The water is warmer than the ambient air temp and helps to also raise the internal temp of the orchard. In addition, the humidity makes the fan more efficient because dry, cold air is harder to move than the wetter air.

Just a caveat, the morning temp has to be above freezing several degrees before the water can be turned off.