Why Paint the Lower Part of Tree Trunks White?

Tree Sunburn

• It might seem odd to you that a tree can contract sunburn. After all, the bark is not porous and delicate like human skin. But, according to the University of California, trees exposed to the sun for long periods of time can suffer from sunburn. The condition can cause burning of the outer layer of bark below the branches where it is not shaded from the sun. If the burn is severe, it can work into the pulp of the trunk and cause dehydration. Young fruit trees are especially susceptible, and pruning can leave a tree vulnerable to sun burn.

Pests

• In addition to sunburn that attacks young fruit trees, certain pests munch on the new bark. Shothole borers are noticeable on trunks and branches through small holes dug into the wood by the insects. The shothole is a beetle that attacks plum, apple, cherry, peach, ash, elm and hawthorne trees across the United States. The University of Missouri Extension suggests that painting the trunk can deter adult beetles on young trees.

Painting

• Painting the trunk or branches with a white latex paint can protect it from sunburn--by reflecting the sun's rays--and from insects. The University of California suggests using a white wash or 50-50 mix of white interior latex paint and water. Tree paints are common and are available at nurseries and garden centers. In addition to using the latex paint for sunburn, the University of Maine suggests using the paint under galvanized hardware cloth, 18 inches high, to protect the trunk from rodents.

Considerations

• Careful maintenance is needed to preserve new fruit trees for future growth. It takes five to six years for a tree to bear the first fruits. Plan on painting the lower part of the tree trunk with white vinyl after planting. Garden Gates recommends never using an oil-based paint as it will burn the tree. The protective vinyl remains on the bark like a sleeve, allowing it to breathe.