Sunscald

[davidwyby]

As a kid I remember thinking this area was weird because everyone had their trees painted. It fell out of popularity and now every tree whose canopy doesn’t shade the west side of the trunk is fried. Started posting on various local fb groups to increase awareness.

 

[levi r]

Interesting. I have seen that before as well while passing through your part of the country but never thought twice about it. Sunscald is a huge problem here, I am going to read a bit about this whitewash. Though I am skeptical initially, especially the part about latex paint. Seems like that could mess up the lenticels and what not functioning of the bark?

 

[davidwyby]

 

[levi r]

Yeah, I saw that. But the sources are facebook and bob vila. I did read a bit and found nothing to say it's bad. The most credible source seemed to be the California university ag research page. I'm surprised I've never seen it here as sunscald is huge here. Tree wrapping is definitely a thing. I am going to ask the CSU extension tomorrow and see what they think about it.

If it's legit I would definitely offer it as a service. Climbing around in a tree with some paint sounds fun. We get lots of sun scalded tops on maples or many other thin bark trees here.