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Nature is full of vibrant colors, with trees showcasing a wide range of shades from pink cherry blossoms to deep green pines and yellow maple leaves. However, some trees have white bark—not naturally, like birch trees, but due to human-applied paint. This isn’t for aesthetic purposes, as no paint can outshine the beauty of nature. Instead, the paint is used to protect young trees as they develop.

Protecting Trees from Sunscald

You might have seen trees with their lower trunks painted white. This practice is to protect the bark from sunscald, which is similar to sunburn in humans. Sunscald typically occurs in winter when fluctuating temperatures—from chilly nights to sunny days—can damage the bark. The white paint helps prevent the bark from overheating and cracking, which can leave the tree vulnerable to disease, fungus, and insects.

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“This type of painting is typically done on thin-barked residential trees or orchards,” explains Christopher Evans, an extension forestry and research specialist at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. “Painting the trunks white moderates daytime heating of the bark and lessens the chances of sunscald injury.” This protective measure is usually needed only for young trees until they grow stronger and less susceptible to temperature changes.

Other Reasons for Tree Paint

Different colors and patterns of paint on trees can also serve as instructions for people. For instance, some marks indicate that a tree is diseased, needs to be removed, or requires pruning. “Basically, it marks the tree in an inconspicuous way,” says Ken Fisher, assistant forester for the Boulder Parks and Recreation Department. “It alerts our contractor to the specific tree in question.” Cities often have individual coding systems, so the meaning of a red or purple dot might vary by area. In forests and on nature trails, painted marks can indicate hazardous trees, private property boundaries, hiking trails, or environmental details. “In some places, trees with nests of rare or endangered species are marked,” Evans notes. “For example, trees with nests of the federally endangered red-cockaded woodpecker in the Southern United States are marked with a white paint ring.” However, it’s important to check local guidelines, as there are no standardized symbols or colors for forestry markings. Some symbols, like an X indicating a tree should be cut or numbers marking a tally before a harvest, are more universal. In many states, purple paint marks private property.

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While painting young trees white is a long-used method of protection, some experts question its effectiveness. The paint can help prevent young bark from overheating, but using the wrong type of paint can severely damage the tree. The recommended product is water-based latex paint diluted with four or five quarts of water per gallon of paint. Additionally, using a rodent repellent can prevent animals from gnawing on the trees.

Avoid oil-based paint, as it prevents the tree from absorbing oxygen. Look for paint with an organic base to avoid harmful additives. While any light color will work, darker shades should be avoided as they can absorb extra heat and worsen sunscald.

To apply the paint, use a paintbrush rather than a spray, which doesn’t adhere as well to the bark. A single coat is usually sufficient unless the weather conditions are extreme. In areas with harsh weather, you might need to reapply the paint annually. Overall, white paint is an easy and effective way to protect young trees as they grow taller and stronger.