Have you noticed something rather strange?
Trees on the side of a country road often look like a white picket fence as you pass by them. Oddly enough, all the trunks are carefully painted with paint. Sometimes we even see this phenomenon in the gardens of certain neighbors. Summer and winter alike, this spectacle often challenges and intrigues us. But where can such an approach 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 lies 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 against 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 enter through cracks that develop in the tree over the years. It thus becomes more susceptible to diseases and fungal attacks. At the mercy of the sun and pests, the trees are therefore suffering. To protect them, it was decided to use this white paint which therefore acts like sunscreen. Above all, it is a protective coating that helps maintain the elasticity of the tree’s cortical tissue in order to prevent damage caused by heat and thus prevent pests from entering through cracks.
But why the choice of white? Quite simply because this color reflects the sun’s rays, thus protecting the bark from excessive heating. In addition, this white coating is very durable and only fades after several years. In addition, it is also nourishing since 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. They are thus faced with a sudden drop during the night and a warming during the day. These temperature changes quickly end up damaging them.
Moreover, trees are also subject to frostbite triggered by the action of frost. The water that freezes between the walls will form ice crystals which damage the roots . As it warms again, the water will thaw and flood the roots: this is what will cause the appearance of crevices which attract parasites. This temperature difference therefore causes various harmful effects. As a specialist explains: “ In winter, the warming of one side (south face) leads to an extremely strong temperature gradient compared to the cold, unexposed rear face (north face). This strong temperature gradient causes cracks in the trunk, which causes serious damage to the tree . »
NB : the other advantage of white paint is that hungry animals, like rabbits, no longer nibble on the bark at the end of winter, because the white coating has a bitter taste which repels them.
What are the trees painted with?
Rest assured, this white paint is perfectly ecological and non-toxic. It’s just lime and plant fortifiers. In stores, you can generally 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 from various infections. As a bonus, it is suitable for nourishing the soil. Moreover, 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 we mainly painting trees along the road?
In the forest, trees swarm next to each other, so they shade each other. However, the trees in towns and villages along 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 paving surfaces as well as reflections from glass surfaces. Suffice to say that young trees are very affected. In addition, most street trees lack underplanting which could have a shading effect on the trunk.
Is it possible to paint garden trees white?
It is actually possible to paint 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 ? Color is applied to the trunk and lower main branches. The tree must first be cleared of pieces of bark and thick branches can be treated with a brush. Because it is easier to apply paint on smooth surfaces. Generally, you won’t need to pre-treat the bark of young trees, since it is still nice and smooth.
You can use a standard paintbrush to apply the white paint. However, if the rain has been there, it is better to wait before starting the process. Ideally, the bark should be completely dry.
