What’s the Reason Behind Painting Trees White?
Why Are Some Trees Painted White?
I used to wonder why some trees have white-painted trunks. Every time I passed by, I asked myself if it meant something important. Recently, I discovered that this simple trick carries a very specific purpose.
Tree planters use white paint as a protective measure, communicating crucial information about a tree’s health and well-being.
What Tree Markings Mean
You might have seen other tree markings too. Orange dots often signal that a tree will be cut down, while purple marks indicate private property or “no trespassing.”
But white paint serves a completely different role. It protects trees from a common winter threat called sunscald.
How Winter Damages Trees
During winter, trees face extreme temperature swings. Daytime sun heats the bark, causing it to expand. At night, temperatures drop rapidly, making the bark contract.
These rapid fluctuations can crack the bark and damage the trunk. Over time, this can severely harm the tree.
White Paint as a Natural Sunscreen
White paint reflects sunlight away from the trunk, preventing overheating during the day. This reduces the risk of cracks and splits caused by extreme temperature changes.
Think of it as sunscreen for trees. The paint shields delicate bark from harsh winter conditions, keeping the tree healthy.
How to Apply White Paint
Tree planters typically use water-based latex paint for this job. Proper dilution is key: mix one gallon of paint with one gallon of water. This ensures the paint spreads easily without being too thick.
