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

3. Prevents Disease and Fungal Problems
Some white tree paints include lime or copper sulfate. These ingredients help protect the bark from:

Fungal infections
Bacterial growth
Mold
Mildew
This is especially important for fruit trees, which are more vulnerable to disease.

4. Protects Young, Thin-Barked Trees
Young trees—and species like citrus, apple, or eucalyptus—have thin bark that burns easily.
The white paint acts like sunscreen, preventing:

Heat cracks
Moisture loss
UV damage
This helps the tree grow healthy and strong during its early years.

5. Helps Prevent Rodent Damage
In cold winters, rodents like rabbits or mice may gnaw on tree bark for food.
The paint mixture makes the bark less appealing, reducing chew damage that could otherwise kill the tree.