[RandyC]

I've seen a number of places where they paint the lower 4' or so of a tree trunk white, to keep ants etc off of it.

It's a power they mix with water, I suspect it's lime... I've never seen it being done, so never could ask anyone...

Anyone know what it really is?

 

[LLigetfa]

When I was traveling on vacation, I drove past a large prison where all the trees were painted white but I'm sure it wasn't to keep ants off but rather to offer a contrast for the search lights.

 

[Sailingamerican]

I have seen tree trunks painted white in many places. That was back in the 50's and 60's. I have not seen it done in years. I was told why but have long forgoten. Someone shold have an answer.

 

[markwb]

They called it white wash and I forget the rationale behind it also.

 

[attorney_barnabas_collins]

Ah, so i googled white tree trunk paint and got this...

There are several ways to protect tree trunks from sustaining environmental and physical damage. Here are some of the things you can do for your trees.

Tree wrapping in the fall has known to be fairly useful in helping prevent sun scald and frost cracks. Both problems are temperature related and occur during the winter months. For more information on sun scald and frost cracks, see the section on “Cracks in the Trunk, Sun Scald.” To wrap the tree, cover the trunk with tree wrap from the base of the tree to a point just above the lowest branches. Overlap about 33 percent with each turn. The tree wrap must be removed in the spring to prevent insect infestation and girdling.

Another product that can be used on the trunk is tree paint. White latex paint is often used in orchards to help prevent splitting and cracking. The paint will help reflect light and heat from the tree trunk. Due to aesthetic reasons, most homeowners are not interested in using tree paints. Both tree paints and wraps can be found at local garden centers and nurseries.

 

[Ironmower]

abc, hit it on the head. I did alot of trunk painting on the orchards, especially peaches and nectarines.

 

[DJ in WV]

Thanks for the education. I had seen this in the past as well and never knew why it was done.

I love it when I learn something new.

 

[theCOOP]

saw many a painted tree yesturday when I was out in a rural area. None of these were in orchards, but rather in peoples' yards.

 

[AZJDpilot]

Citrus here in AZ get painted when the canopy is raised to provide access under the tree. Without it, the bark will get sun damaged and while white is popular, there is also a natural brown color sold too. FYI painting pruning cuts is not needed as the tree will heal itself if properly cut.:fing32:

 

[[email protected]]

saw many a painted tree yesturday when I was out in a rural area. None of these were in orchards, but rather in peoples' yards.

It's a ******* thing:sidelaugh

 

[orange j d]

They also painted them white years ago, so your car lights would pick them up so you could see them better at night. They also painted the lower half of the inside of covered bridges white so you could see better. Ok now you all know about how old I am.mg: He is older than dirt. :biglaugh:

 

[attorney_barnabas_collins]

They also painted them white years ago, so your car lights would pick them up so you could see them better at night.

They have built these things called "roads" since then. Makes avoiding trees much easier.

 

[KATT]

When I was traveling on vacation, I drove past a large prison where all the trees were painted white but I'm sure it wasn't to keep ants off but rather to offer a contrast for the search lights.

No it's easier to line up the cross-hairs :biglaugh: :biglaugh: :biglaugh:

 

[PigBear]

They also painted them white years ago, so your car lights would pick them up so you could see them better at night.

They have built these things called "roads" since then. Makes avoiding trees much easier.

:biglaugh: :biglaugh: :biglaugh:

 

[PA318Guy]

They also painted them white years ago, so your car lights would pick them up so you could see them better at night.

They have built these things called "roads" since then. Makes avoiding trees much easier.

:biglaugh: :biglaugh: :biglaugh: :biglaugh: :biglaugh:

 

[PA PLOW DAY]

Citrus here in AZ get painted when the canopy is raised to provide access under the tree. Without it, the bark will get sun damaged and while white is popular, there is also a natural brown color sold too. FYI painting pruning cuts is not needed as the tree will heal itself if properly cut.:fing32:

painting cuts on a tree......blah i hate to see that done! the old folks around here all still believe its the only way to heal a tree......:Stop:

 

[DLF_IN]

Usually the white seen in older photos was whitewash made with lime to keep insects from attacking the tree.
Dave