Find out here why you might discover whitewashed tree trunks in your neighborhood.
Question : The other day I came home from work and saw that several trees on my street had been painted white. Why are the tree trunks painted white? What does the white paint on the trees mean?
A: While bright orange or red markings on trees may mean that a tree needs to be removed, white paint on trees means something else entirely. So why paint trees white? While bright white may look pretty, this color does not serve the aesthetic purpose. Tree trunks in the city are covered with white paint to protect them from the elements. And that’s important, because trees are an attractive part of the landscape and provide shade for homes and outdoor living spaces in the summer.
Like plastic, paper or aluminum tree screens, white paint on trees offers protection from the sun, harsh weather and pests. Read on to learn more about why the underside of trees are painted white and why choosing the right color is crucial.
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Painting the bark on young trees helps to prevent sunscald.
Like people, plant life is vulnerable to damage from the sun. Deciduous trees, which shed their leaves at the end of the growing season, are particularly vulnerable to sunscald during the winter months. The branches devoid of leaves offer no protection from the hot rays of the sun. And in areas with very hot climates, trees may be prone to sunscald year-round.
The white paint on the trunks helps reflect sunlight and prevents the tree’s bark from getting too much sun. In the winter, an overabundance of sunlight can cause thawing of critical tissues under the bark. They then can refreeze when temperatures drop, leading to trunk cracks and fissures. These wounds are perfect entry points for pests and diseases.
Thick latex paint can help protect trees from the elements.
Photo: istockphoto.com
Damage from sudden thaws and freezes can leave trees, especially those bearing fruit, in a vulnerable state. In cases of severe injury, the damage can be fatal. Applying heavy latex paint (or a specially designed formula such as this highly rated option available at Amazon) to a tree trunk can help protect trees from harsh winter weather.
The University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service recommends using interior-grade latex paint to whitewash tree trunks and avoiding toxic oil-based paints. It’s also best to use tree trunk painting only on trees older than 2 years. For younger trees, opt for plastic or aluminum guards instead of paint.
The ideal time for painting bark on trees is at the tail end of fall on a sunny day to allow enough time for proper drying. Before applying the paint, dilute it with an equal amount of water. If the first coat appears to be too thin, add a second coat. You can apply the paint using brushes, sponges, or cloth rags. You also can spray paint a tree white, but likely will need to give it two coats.
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Tree trunk painting also deters pest infestations.
Painting a tree trunk with white paint prevents pests from gaining access through various small openings. Protecting trees from sunscald using white paint also prevents these cracks from forming in the first place.
When painting the trunk of a tree white, be sure to paint it at least 18 inches above the ground. You can even paint up to the point where the first main branches join the trunk for added protection. When painting, it is essential to cover the trunk well. Any bare area can be an access point for hungry pests.
Latex paint is ideal because it will not crack as it expands, which could leave your tree vulnerable to pest infestation again. To ensure continued protection, reapply the paint every year.
