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Painting Trees !?

I have two large trees (see one attached, as Im unsure of the name).
they sit proudly in my top carpark of my business, and I was thinking of painting them a certain colour, maybe White to make it more visible in the evening when the car park lights are on. so the question is, will paint affect the tree in anyway?

Many thanks

Mark
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Posts

  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    In some parts of the world they use white paint on tree trunks (I've seen it in Austria) but I don't know what it's for or whether it's special paint.

    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • I’ve seen trees with reflective strips (like cyclists wear) around them. That’s probably better for the trees’ health. 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Thanks for the comments. Illuminating them with stripes could would, as well as be healthier for the tree.
    Does anyone know what the tree is called ?
  • Cant really tell from there. Is it an evergreen or has it lost its leaves for winter? Can you show us some of the leaves … even if they’re golden and on the ground. 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    In Belgium it is traditional to paint fruit tree trunks with a limewash to about human shoulder height.  It deters certain pest and yes, it does make the trunks more visible by moonlight or car headlights but you have to get the mix right to avoid toxixity for you and the trees.   
     
    This link explains how to do it safely in the UK - https://www.nature-and-garden.com/gardening/whitewash-limewash-fruit-tree.html#:~:text=Limewashing means applying lime to,it's less corrosive and dangerous.

    Ordinary paint would not let the tree trunks breathe naturally so is a definite no-no.


    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    edited November 2023
    If you wanted to decorate the tree for aesthetic purposes, using fairy lights or the like is more usual than paint. LED uplighting is also popular. It's worth taking into account the other people that might share the space and might have to see the lights at night. Lights can also have some effects on wildlife.


  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    Lights definitely disrupt nightlife.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • I like the idea of lights on the tree, especially solar lights.
    That could be the way forward.
     Thank you everyone !
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    Please keep us posted
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    If it's to prevent drivers hitting the trees, a much simpler solution would be a timber fence post put in nearby which could be painted with one of the paints for wood. Plenty of them are very light in colour- creamy. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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