Lime painting (sometimes called tree whitening or tree painting) is a proven method of protecting trees from various harmful influences. It is used primarily on young trees and fruit trees. Lime painting involves painting the trunk with a lime solution in late autumn to help the trees survive the cold season. But why exactly is lime painting done?

Protection against frost damage

An important function of the lime coating is to protect against frost damage. In the winter months, extreme temperature fluctuations between day and night can put a lot of strain on the bark of trees. The white color of the lime coating reflects sunlight and prevents the trunk from heating up too much during the day. This reduces the risk of the bark cracking if the temperature drops quickly at night.

Prevention of pest infestation

The lime coating also acts as a natural barrier against certain pests. Some insect and larval species nest in the bark of trees in winter to overwinter there. The alkaline effect of the lime makes the tree trunk unattractive to these pests, so that infestation can be significantly reduced. The lime coating also seals cracks and crevices, which means pests lose their hiding places.

Prevention of fungal infections

In addition to pests, the lime coating can also inhibit the growth of fungi and lichen on the bark. The high pH value of the lime solution changes the microclimate on the bark and thus prevents the growth of harmful fungal spores. This is especially important for trees that are already weakened or susceptible to fungal diseases.

Additional nutrient supply and improvement of soil pH

The Lime paint is continuously washed away by the weather and thus enters the soil. There, over time, it releases valuable nutrients to the tree and the surrounding soil. As a result, the lime neutralizes acidic soils, which promotes the absorption of nutrients and improves the general growth of the tree.

When is the lime paint applied?

The ideal time to lime trees is late autumn, before the frost sets in. However, it is also possible to lime the trees in winter, while temperatures are still mild. The weather should be dry so that the lime adheres well to the bark and dries quickly.

Which products are there?

There is a wide range of lime paints available and we definitely recommend choosing a product that suits the specific needs of your tree. We generally recommend buying organic products.

Here is one Product, which we can generally recommend.

 

 

 

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