What’s the Reason Behind Painting Trees White?

I always noticed trees with white-painted trunks and wondered whether the color signaled something important. It turns out the paint isn’t decorative at all—it has a very practical purpose.

Tree caretakers use white paint as a protective tool, and it actually reveals important information about a tree’s condition and care.

Other tree markings have different meanings. Orange spots usually mark trees slated for removal, while purple paint is commonly used to identify private land or mark “no trespassing” boundaries.

White paint, however, is meant to shield trees from winter damage known as sunscald—harm caused by intense temperature changes.

In cold months, sunlight can warm a tree’s bark during the day, causing it to expand. When temperatures plunge at night, the bark cools too quickly and contracts. This sudden shift can cause cracks that weaken the tree over time.

To prevent this, a thin coat of white latex paint is applied to reflect sunlight and keep the trunk from overheating. The mixture is usually diluted—one gallon of paint mixed with one gallon of water—and brushed or sprayed onto the bark to create even coverage.

This protective layer only needs to be refreshed annually, but it makes a big difference. So the next time you see a tree with a bright white trunk, you’ll know it’s more than an aesthetic choice—it’s a simple yet effective way to help the tree stay strong through winter.