Top 4 Tree Whitening Paint Varieties and How to Apply Them Properly
The bark of fruit trees is constantly exposed to negative environmental influences. In addition to wild animals that eat the bark, horticultural crops are affected by solar radiation, infectious diseases and other factors. To reduce the intensity of such an effect, tree paints, with which it is necessary to process the trunks immediately after the snow melts or shortly before the onset of cold weather, help.
What is garden paint used for?
Initially, whitewash (or lime mortar) was used to protect trees. This option is also popular today due to its relatively low price. However, whitening is gradually being replaced by other compounds that have a more effective effect.
Tree trunk paint is intended only to provide complete protection against negative environmental influences.
Protection against pests and diseases
Painted trees are aesthetic. Such cultures ennoble the appearance of the site.However, this procedure is often carried out not to improve the appearance of plants, but to protect against pests and diseases.
Painted trunks keep mice, rats and rabbits away from the bark for food. Formulations used for plant protection contain ingredients that repel rodents. In addition, these dyes offer protection against:
- Infectious diseases;
- fungal spores;
- insects.
The composition of paints for trees contains antiseptic substances that give the material the specified properties. That is why it is recommended to process trees immediately after the snow melts, when small insects have not yet woken up from hibernation and have not climbed onto the trunk.
Reflection of UV rays
Ultraviolet radiation can burn trees and crack bark, making the plant more susceptible to disease. After coloring, a layer forms on the trunk which reflects UV rays.
Protection against extreme temperatures
Temperature fluctuations are also a threat to garden plants. In addition, the periods of early spring and late autumn are considered the most dangerous, when the air warms up sharply during the day and cools down at night. With such temperature fluctuations, the bark of the tree cracks.
Rot prevention
After frequent rains, rot appears on the trees. Such formations are due to the fact that water, flowing through the trunk, stagnates in natural cracks and depressions. The paint forms a water-repellent layer on the surface of the wood, which prevents the appearance of rot.
Accelerated healing
Dyes used to treat cultures include substances that promote wound healing. That is, these products can be used as an alternative to garden infusion. It is recommended to apply the paints to the trees after pruning. This treatment accelerates the recovery of the culture.
Disinfection of individual areas
The antiseptic components that make up the dyes suppress the activity of pathogenic microorganisms (fungi and bacteria). Therefore, such treatment is also carried out to prevent infection of horticultural crops.
Varieties
Hydrated lime was previously considered the most popular treatment for plants. However, this composition can harm trees (especially young ones). In order to avoid burns, a less concentrated solution of slaked lime is used for the treatment of horticultural crops. But because of this, the effectiveness of the composition decreases. Therefore, instead of slaked lime, specialized paints are more often used.
water-based
Water-based paints used for the treatment of horticultural crops contain acrylic latex.
The advantages of water-based compositions also include low consumption. On average, it takes up to 150 grams of paint per square meter.
Dispersible in water
For the treatment of horticultural crops, it is recommended to purchase water-dispersion acrylic paints. Such materials create a wear-resistant coating.
alkyd
Alkyd paints, like acrylic paints, can be applied in one coat, which is why this type of material wears slowly.
Aerosol
Spray paints are available in relatively small cans. Therefore, for a large garden, you need to buy several canisters.
Advantages and disadvantages of using
Paints are easier to work with than hydrated lime.The formulations of the first type are ready for use immediately after purchase. Slaked lime must be diluted in a certain proportion, non-compliance with which leads to damage to plants.
How to choose the right composition
Paints used for tree treatment must meet the following selection criteria:
- create a breathable and moisture-resistant layer;
- elastic;
- wear-resistant;
- resistant to mechanical stress and direct sunlight.
Additional characteristics (protection against insects, diseases, etc.) depend on the type of components that make up the dyes.Compositions that have universal properties are considered optimal for the treatment of trees. That is, for horticultural crops it is recommended to purchase paints that prevent the development of infectious diseases, fungus and rot.
How to prepare and paint a tree
Only fruit trees are allowed to be painted. Young shoots are not resistant to such treatment. Before applying the paint, you must:
- peel off old bark, moss and lichen;
- treat fresh damage with garden soil;
- treat the trunks with a disinfectant.
It is recommended to whitewash the trees in early spring, after the snow has melted. Such treatment also prevents the premature start of the movement of juice up the trunk. This will prevent the twigs from dying when the nighttime temperature drops below freezing.
Resurfacing is carried out in October or November, shortly before the onset of cold weather. Such treatment is necessary to protect trees from frost.Also, fall whitewashing helps get rid of small insects that have settled in the trunk.
This procedure is carried out at temperatures above +5 degrees, in clear, dry weather. It is recommended to apply a generous coat of paint to the trees. Garden trees can be treated with a brush or with a gun or spray can. It is recommended to paint the zone from the roots to the first thick branches.
How to use for crown disinfection
To disinfect the crown, the dye must be diluted with water at the rate of 1 kilogram per 10 liters. The resulting composition should then be poured into a spray bottle and treated with garden plants. This procedure is also carried out in early spring and late autumn.