If you’ve come across trees with white-painted trunks, you might have wondered what it means. It’s not just a random decoration—it’s a clever way to protect the tree.
This white coating helps prevent a condition called sunscald. When sunlight heats the bark during the day and cold air hits it at night, the bark can crack. These cracks make the tree vulnerable to disease and bugs.
By painting the trunk white, the sun’s heat is reflected away, protecting the bark from sudden temperature changes. This is especially helpful in winter when sunscald is most common. Farmers often use this technique for their trees to keep them thriving.
White paint is best because it’s highly reflective, acting like a sunscreen. It also helps keep insects and fungi away. Usually, gardeners use a diluted latex paint that’s safe for the tree.
This practice has been around for decades and is still common because it works well. Changes in how we manage trees and land expose trunks to more sun, increasing their risk.
Trees are important for many reasons, so taking care of them with simple steps like white painting helps preserve their health. Seeing a white-painted tree means someone is helping it stay strong and protected.
