Did you notice a rather strange fact? Trees along a country road often look like a white picket fence as you pass by. Interestingly, all trunks are carefully painted with paint. Sometimes, we even see this phenomenon in the gardens of certain neighbors. Summer or winter, this show challenges us and often intrigues us. But where can such a movement come from? Is it for aesthetic reasons? It would be surprising, to the extent that nature is precisely beautiful without the slightest artifice. In truth, behind this white paint there is a very relevant explanation.

What should trees be protected from in summer?

There are several reasons why trees are painted white. Just as we need sunscreen to protect our skin during the summer, trees also need protection from the heat and intensity of the sun’s rays. In summer, intense sunlight can damage young trees or species with thin bark. Additionally, pests and fungi can penetrate through the cracks that develop in the tree over the years. Therefore, it becomes more susceptible to diseases and fungal attacks.
At the mercy of the sun and pests, the trees suffer. To protect them, it was decided to use this white paint which, therefore, acts as a sunscreen. It is primarily a protective layer that helps maintain the elasticity of the tree’s cortical tissue to prevent heat damage and thus prevent pests from entering through the cracks.

But why the choice of white? Simply because this color reflects the sun’s rays, thus protecting the bark from excessive heat. Furthermore, this white coating is very resistant and only fades after several years. In addition, it is also nutritious as it is enriched with trace elements and clay minerals.

And in winter?

During the winter period, trees must above all be protected from strong temperature fluctuations. Therefore, they face a sudden drop during the night and a warming during the day. These temperature changes quickly end up damaging them.

In addition, trees also suffer frostbite caused by the action of frost. Water that freezes between the walls will form ice crystals that will damage the roots. When it warms up again, the water will thaw and flood the roots: this is what will cause cracks to appear that attract parasites. This temperature difference therefore leads to several adverse effects. As one specialist explains: “   In winter, heating on one side (south face) causes an extremely strong temperature gradient compared to the cold, unexposed back side (north face). This strong temperature gradient causes cracks in the trunk, causing serious damage to the tree  . »

NB   : The other advantage of white paint is that hungry animals, such as rabbits, no longer nibble on the bark at the end of winter, because the white coating has a bitter taste that discourages them.

What are the trees painted with?

Rest assured, this white paint is perfectly environmentally friendly and non-toxic. They are just lime and herb fortifiers. Commercially, you can usually find it as a tree protection coating. In addition to the white color that reflects the sun, lime is antibacterial, so it can protect the tree against various infections. As a bonus, it is suitable for feeding the soil. Additionally, when it rains, it gradually fades from the tree and seeps into the ground. When too acidic, lime can reach a higher pH in the root zone, improving growing conditions.

Why are mainly trees painted along the road?

In the forest, the trees swarm side by side, so they shade each other. However, trees in towns and villages lining the road do not benefit from this same protection. Not to mention that they are already exposed to pollution due to heavy traffic, but also to strong thermal radiation from stone and pavement surfaces, as well as reflections from glass surfaces. Suffice it to say that young trees are greatly affected. Furthermore, most street trees lack underplanting which could have a shading effect on the trunk.

Is it possible to paint the trees in the garden white?

In fact, it is possible to paint the trees in your own garden, preferably young fruit trees. These are generally the most susceptible to external damage due to their thin bark.

How to do it ? The color is applied to the trunk and lower main branches. The tree must first be cleaned of pieces of bark, and thick branches can be treated with a brush. Because it is easier to apply the paint on smooth surfaces. You usually won’t need to pre-treat the bark of young trees as it is still nice and soft.

You can use a standard brush to apply the white paint. However, if it has rained, it is better to wait before starting the process. Ideally, the crust should be perfectly dry.