What are the benefits of whitewashing trees? How do you prepare trees before whitewashing? What is the purpose of whitewashing trees? How do you whitewash tree trunks? These are some of the questions that we will discuss in this article. Whitewashing can be done in different kinds of trees. They are affordable and provide the necessary protection that the tree needs in order to survive harsh weather conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n
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What is the Purpose of Whitewashing Trees?<\/h2>\n
The main purpose of whitewashing trees is to protect them from sun-scald. The trunk and the branches of the trees are covered with whitewash to prevent the rays of the sun to heat the bark.<\/strong> If the bark of the tree is exposed to too much sun, it causes it to come out of dormancy but the roots as well as the other unexposed areas of the tree remain dormant. Dormant roots cannot provide the required water to the bark which can cause death to the warmed tissues.<\/p>\n Moreover, whitewash is also done to prevent the trees from splitting. This can happen when the bark is exposed to too much sun in the daytime and cools quickly during the night. Any split on the tree can cause an opening for the pests and insects to invade the tree. This can be prevented by whitewashing the trees.<\/p>\n There are many benefits to whitewashing trees which include preventing sun-scald, preventing heat stress, and preventing pests and pathogens. While trees are sturdy and strong, they are exposed to harsh outdoor environments that can affect how they grow.<\/b> Let us learn more about the benefits of whitewashing trees below.<\/span><\/p>\n One of the benefits of whitewashing trees is that it prevents sun-scald<\/a>. Cold nights and hot days can lead trees to have sun-scald. When the sun strikes the trunk of the tree, the cells become more active than their roots. Because of this, the tree will need water that cannot be provided by the roots. As a result, the cells of the trunk plant start to wither from lack of water. If this happens, the trunks appear to have a sunburned, cracked, and dry surface. When you apply whitewash to the trunk, it provides the tree with a protective sun barrier to prevent cracking as the tree is exposed to different temperatures.<\/p>\n Another benefit that you can get from whitewashing is that it helps avoid pests and pathogens. Take note that if the tree is suffering from sun-scald, the cracks can also allow pests and pathogens to affect the inside of the tree. Moreover, fungi and bacteria can enter the tree through the cracks and affect how it grows. Whitewash prevents any access to the interior of the tree.<\/p>\n Heat stress is a common issue for trees, especially during the summer season. Whitewashing the trunks and branches helps the trees to stay cool. This is because whitewash reflects both heat and sunlight away from the tree. As a result, the foliage of the tree can concentrate on fruit development. Furthermore, trees that are whitewashed have less stress which can lead to faster growth and healthy fruit production.<\/p>\n Latex paint and salt and lime mixture are two of the common ingredients used in whitewashing trees. They are affordable and easy to make.<\/strong> Learn more about both ingredients below.<\/p>\n Latex paint is a common ingredient that is used in making whitewash for trees. Pure white paint works efficiently when it comes to reflecting the rays of the sun away from the trees. To create the whitewash, pour equal parts of latex paint and water in a large container. For trees that have a rough surface, use a thinner mix of whitewash to cover the bark. You can also use water-based paint if latex is not available.<\/p>\n Other ingredients that are commonly used when whitewashing trees are salt and lime. Hydrated lime or masonry lime should be used. To create the whitewash, pour 3 gallons of water in a container and add 3 lbs salt. Mix thoroughly until the salt is dissolved. Then, add 10 lbs of hydrated lime into the mixture. Mix well so that the ingredients are evenly distributed. Add more water if you want a thinner consistency or whitewash. You can also check out this article titled, does whitewash wash off<\/a>? We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic.<\/p>\n To prepare trees before whitewashing, you need to clean the trunk, disinfect it, and make sure that all trunk woods are covered. Preparing the trees for whitewashing is an important step that you need to do.<\/strong> Read more below for more information.<\/p>\n The first thing that you need to do is to clean the trunk. Trees are usually covered with moss or lichen. You can remove these with the use of a scraper or brush. Moreover, you need to cut damaged and rotten bark from the trees with a knife.<\/p>\n The next step is to disinfect the trunk. This step is vital for old trees. Take note that cleaning and removing dead bark from the tree will leave healthy barks exposed. You can use a copper sulfate or potassium permanganate to disinfect the tree. If those two are unavailable, you can also use a soap solution or diluted ash.<\/p>\nBenefits of Whitewashing Trees<\/b><\/h2>\n
Whitewashing Prevents Sun-Scald<\/h3>\n
Whitewashing Avoids Pests and Pathogens<\/h3>\n
Whitewashing Avoids Heat Stress<\/h3>\n
What is Used to Whitewash Trees?<\/h2>\n
Latex Paint<\/h3>\n
Salt and Lime<\/h3>\n
How to Prepare Trees before Whitewashing?<\/h2>\n
Step 1 – Clean<\/h3>\n
Step 2 – Disinfect<\/h3>\n
Step 3 \u2013 Cover the Wounds<\/h3>\n