Yesterday, officials showed up in uniform and began painting our neighborhood tree trunks white. They coated every tree—why?

What’s the Reason Behind Painting Trees White?

If you’ve ever walked through a park, rural village, or older neighborhood and noticed tree trunks painted white—especially the lower portion—you might wonder why people do this. It may look decorative, but the reason is far more practical and rooted in plant protection.

Below is the explanation behind this common practice—and why it’s more important than it looks.

1. Protects Trees From Sunscald (Winter Burn)
During winter, the sun can heat the bark of a tree, causing the internal tissues to “wake up.” When temperatures suddenly drop at night, the warmed tissues freeze and crack.
This damage is known as sunscald.

Painting the trunk with white latex paint reflects sunlight, helping the bark maintain a more stable temperature. This simple step prevents splitting and protects young trees during harsh winters.

2. Shields Against Pests and Insects
Whitewashing the trunk can discourage many insects from nesting or climbing the tree.
The alkaline mixture—often lime-based—creates an environment that pests dislike, reducing:

Ants
Beetles
Borers
Fungal spores
This natural protectant has been used for generations, especially before chemical treatments existed.