Opinions on painting trunks

betdempster

betdempster

Well-known member
Question for hight heat /strong sun folks or anyone else who may know or have read anything about painting trunks of trees for protection...

I have a lot of second year trees that are twiggy. All have now been pruned to encourage branching but I also was wanting to espalier a few and see how they do.

I read a research article where they painted the trunk or espalier trees blue (don't think the color mattered). It was either Portugal or Spain, I think, but they did it because the sun was strong and might blister the trunks prior to the tree having enough leaves to protect it.

Does anyone in strong sun regions paint their trunks and if so or if not any input /feedback?
 
Someone on the long island fig group paints their trunks with a paint called "slick coat" which makes the trunk so slippery rats and raccoons cant climb it. Im gonna give it a try on some common varieties in case it kills the tree lol
 
I was talking with a fellow who has grown figs for 30+ years and he swore by a product for sun scald and pest/critter repelling. Im using it for the cutter component. I’m planning on using it in the spring when I plant my baby figs in the yard.
 
Good to know. I'm not worried about critters as much but if there are things that deter them as well that would be a bonus. We do have ants which I actively hunt down and kill when I find mounds. If it helps and prevents sun issues and any pests I will go figure out what product options there are and consider it part of preventative maintenance this year 😊 the sun is pretty strong here - 20 minutes this past weekend got my farmer's tan started for the season
 
superdave336 said:
That’s what I use if I need to paint any trunks. I used it on a pecan tree and it worked great.
Click to expand...

I've never used this but it seems like it would do the job perfectly. I don't have this problem so can't say from experience. Would anything clean and non-toxic do the job? Like an organic paint? I'm just throwing out the idea... because... well, I can be a bit cheap.... In a good way :rolleyes:
 
Simplest and cheapest limewash: big old bag of Hydrated Lime from your local hardware store. Could last you years depending on how many trees you have and how big they are.

Mix with water to desired consistency. The thicker the better typically. Could wash off in heavy rains, but now you have a big bag to make more and repaint!

To repel bugs: add neem oil to keep it simple. Or any of the essential oils listed on the Active Ingredients of the IV Organic product.

You could also add liquid silica or some Diatomaceous Earth or a splash of milk as is listed in the other ingredients, but the lime is enough to act as a sunblock and the azidarachtin in the neem should be enough of a bug killer/repellent.
 
Fedco trees in Maine recipe: equal parts, water, white interior, latex, paint, and sheet rock joint compound for insects
 
I've painted my avocado trees pretty religiously, they burn easily. I've also painted my stone fruit and citrus tree. I did paint my first 2 fig trees because I didn't have many. Now with so many trees, I'm wondering if some trees really need it. I think figs may fall into the category that doesn't need it.

I currently use the home depot behrs i300 indoor flat paint. I dilute it thin enough to easily paint on the tree. It needs to be thin enough so the tree can breath.

If I knew about this product. I would have bought it rather than home depot paint. I think it's safer as it doesn't have any non safe additives.

Arizona's Best White Vinyl Latex Paint 1 Gallon Tree Trunk Coating​

www.walmart.com

Arizona's Best White Vinyl Latex Paint 1 Gallon Tree Trunk Coating AZP30012 - Walmart.com

Buy Arizona's Best White Vinyl Latex Paint 1 Gallon Tree Trunk Coating AZP30012 at Walmart.com
www.walmart.com

I think IV organics is too expensive for what it is.
 
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