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What White-Painted Trees Are Really Telling Us

The internet has transformed how we learn, offering instant answers to questions big and small, from global events to curious sights in our neighborhoods. One such mystery is why some trees have their trunks painted white, a detail that might seem odd but has a practical purpose rooted in tree care. Our site loves uncovering the stories behind everyday quirks, and this one is no exception.

We’ve explored why barns have giant stars or what a painted fingernail means, and a photo of trees with white trunks caught our eye online. Far from being a random act, this is a time-tested method to protect trees from sunscald, a problem that strikes in winter. When the sun warms a tree’s bark during the day, it expands, but a sudden drop in temperature at night makes it contract quickly. This can cause the bark to split, leaving trees, especially young ones, open to pests and disease.

The fix? A coat of white latex paint, often mixed with water, applied to the trunk. The white color reflects sunlight, keeping the bark cooler and preventing those damaging temperature swings. Gardeners, orchard owners, and foresters use this trick to help trees survive winter’s challenges, keeping them healthy with a simple, affordable solution. It’s a practical move that blends science with care for nature.
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