Blount and Beyond Online Magazine - Magazine - Page 9
Whitewashing Trees and Other Things
Do you remember seeing tree trunks whitewashed? Have you thought of painting your tree trunks but have no idea what,
when, why, and how to do it? Many people think whitewashing is unnecessary. We will try to answer these questions.
Although whitewashing has been forgotten by many yard owners, we might start the tradition again.
What is whitewashing? It is a type of surface covering that is used as a sealant typically on lawn trees, fruit trees, and
inside of barns and chicken coops. Traditional whitewash is made by mixing powdered lime with water and provides a
paint or sealant that is non-toxic and safe for animals. It is a thin paint and allows the natural wood grain to show, just
remember it easily rubs off. If you want to achieve the whitewash look for your furniture just thin latex paint with water,
this does not provide the benefits of true whitewash, but it does mimic the appearance and does not rub off as easily as
true whitewash.
When should we whitewash our trees and shrubs? Whitewashing is a simple care treatment performed annually in
gardens located in cold weather areas. The trunks of fruit-bearing and other, larger trees, as well as ornamental shrubs are
covered with whitewash, about half of their height, before the beginning of winter, many times it must be touched up in
January or February. Whitewash is limewash and is one of the best ways to protect tree trunks and bushes.
Why do we whitewash our tree trunks? Whitewash is used to protect tree trunks against changing weather conditions.
Temperatures fluctuate in late autumn, winter, and early spring, with extreme differences during the day and at night. Tree
trunks get warmed up in the sun during the day, and, when exposed to cold temperatures at night, they tend to break. Trees
and shrubs affected by such damage might not recover in spring.
How do we whitewash our trees? Whitewashing can be done on both young and old trees to protect them from the winter
temperatures. Painting tree trunks with lime is easy. You may make your own solution or purchase a ready-made product,
just dip a brush in it and simply paint the tree trunks. You may whitewash up to about half of their height, or up to where
branches begin.
My Mom always kept her trees whitewashed and would touch them up when they started looking dirty. I always thought
she did it because she thought the whitewash made the trees prettier and that may have been one of the reasons but the
main reason for whitewashing her trees was to protect them.
If you decide to whitewash your trees or shrubs but have never made or used whitewash and are concerned that you will
do something wrong the ready-made product might be what you need. Most gardening stores offer whitewashing
products.
Public Domain Photo