Like plastic, paper, or aluminum tree guards, white paint on trees offers protection from the sun, harsh weather, and pests. Read on to learn more about why people paint the bottom of trees white
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.
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 a tree trunk white, make sure to paint up to at least 18 inches above the ground. You can even paint up to the point where the first major branches join the trunk for additional protection. When painting, it is essential to cover the trunk thoroughly. Any bare spots might represent access points for hungry pests.
Latex paint is ideal because it won’t crack as it expands, which might again leave your tree vulnerable to pest infestations. To provide continual protection, reapply whitewash annually.
Who knew? Not us! Have you heard of this process before? Let us know in the comments.
Source: bobvila.com
