Why do people paint the trunks of living trees white and what purpose does it serve?

Answer 1

The outer bark is composed of non-living cells and as the tree grows this bark cracks and is shed by the tree. If the cracks are deep and go all the way to the wood of the tree then you may have a problem. Such cracks are normally caused by freeze or cold damage. Painting the trunks of the trees with white paint tends to reduce the amount of this type of damage. So check to see how deep the cracks are; if they are just superficial don't worry about them. If they are deeper, then paint the lower trunks with a white latex paint. http://www.plantanswers.com/breakout/qa1642.html

Sun scald is a tree injury that can result in cracks and splits on the trunk. It occurs in the winter usually on the south or west side of the trunk. The damage takes place when the cells in the living tissue beneath the bark break dormancy on warm, sunny days and then rupture and die when night temperatures drop below freezing. The tree is injured when enough cells in a given area are killed. The following spring these dead areas will appear discolored and sunken. In time the bark killed by sun-scald will split and peel. These areas also provide entry points for insects and diseases.
To reduce or eliminate sun scald injury, wrap the trunks of susceptible trees each fall with tree wrap paper. Do this for one or two seasons until the bark begins to roughen. Remove each spring so as not to provide a home for insects. Tree trunks can also be treated with white latex paint, wrapped with burlap, or a light colored tree guard.
http://www.treepatch.com/SunScald.htm

Answer 2

Usually if these trees are planted beside roads, the purpose of painting it white is for motorists to see the trees during night time which could warn them that they are near the sidewalks or curbs. Another purpose is to stop small branches to grow on the lower parts of the trunk which could pose hazards to pedestrians.

Answer 3

To protect the tree from 'sun scalding'. Painting it white reflects the sun's rays and thus keeping it from having dead spots on the bark which can lead to disease or insect problems.

Answer 4

Trees painted along the side of the road act as reflectors for oncoming traffic

Answer 5

It is a type of pesticide that will keep your trees free from damaging insects. Used a lot in orchards.

Answer 6

Here they think they are doing it as a service to keeps insects out of a wound or new cut. It is best not to do this they will repel those on its own.

Answer 7

They do it on citrus trees in the desert as a sunscreen.

Answer 8

Military thinking, if it moves - salute it, if it's still - paint it!

Answer 9

to protect them from insects.

Answer 10

it looks cool