When to whitewash trees and how to do it right

Why whitewash trees

Whitewashing is a real protective mantle for a plant. The bark protects the tree from the effects of negative natural factors, taking the hit on itself. It is injured by sunburn, cracks from temperature changes, and also becomes a home for pests. In addition, through the resulting damage, pathogens penetrate into the plant.

Whitewash protects the tree in spring, when the bright sun burns and warms the bark during the day, and the night frost cools it sharply. The white coating reflects the sun's rays and prevents the bark from collapsing.

Not only mature trees need whitewashing, but also young seedlings. Moreover, the procedure is required for fruit and ornamental crops, but coniferous no need to touch.

When to bleach trees

The procedure is carried out twice a year: in spring and autumn.

At the beginning of the season, trees can be whitewashed already in February, when the sun begins to bake and can burn the bark. At the end of winter and early spring, there is often a temperature difference: during the day, the thermometer rises above zero, and at night it drops to minus marks. Such jumps contribute to the formation of frost cracks - cracks in the bark.

It is best to have time with whitewashing trees before the beginning of April - this way you will get the maximum benefit from the procedure. But if weather conditions or other circumstances do not allow you to do it on time (for example, it snows or rains all the time or you just don’t have time), try to finish before the beginning of May.

The optimal time for autumn whitewashing is October and November. Focus on the climate of your region and look at the weather forecast. It is important to have time to protect the garden before the arrival of frost.

How to whitewash trees

The easiest option is to look in stores or garden centers for special whitewash for trees. This is a ready-made liquid product that can be put into action right away. There are also dry mixes - they must first be diluted with water according to the instructions on the package.

Also, water-based or water-dispersion white paint is suitable for processing trees. Such a coating will be more resistant compared to lime compositions and will last longer on the bark. True, it is impossible to work with water-dispersion paint at temperatures below 3 ° C.

The protective mixture can be prepared independently according to one of the recipes:

1. Dissolve 400 g of copper sulfate in 2 liters of hot water. Add 100 g of casein glue, 2 kg of slaked lime and 8 liters of cold water. Stir thoroughly until the ingredients are completely dissolved.
2. To 10 liters of water, add 3 kg of slaked lime or chalk, 100 g of casein glue and 500 g of copper sulfate. Stir the composition until the components are completely dissolved. Then let it brew for 2-3 hours.

If you do not use up the homemade solution in one go, do not rush to throw it away. Cover the container with the mixture with a lid and store until the next use. If the whitewash dries out, simply dilute it with warm water immediately before the procedure.

It is convenient to apply the composition with a construction brush. Suitable for both round and flat with natural or artificial bristles. To make the process go faster, choose bigger tools. If the trees in garden a lot, you can use the spray gun - this will greatly simplify and speed up the work.

What to buy

• Liquid garden whitewash from Magic Rainbow, 252 rubles →
• Dry garden whitewash from Ogorodnik, 161 rubles →
• Round brush with a diameter of 11 cm from Biber, 180 rubles →
• Flat brush 10 cm wide from Whirlwind, 91 rubles →
• Network spray gun from Kolner, 2,620 rubles →
• Cordless spray gun from Wiekk, 4,190 rubles →

How to whitewash trees

The procedure must be carried out in dry weather. At the same time, it is important that there is no precipitation on the next day: this way the protective composition will have time to dry.

Wear rubber gloves to protect your skin. First, walk along the tree trunk with an ordinary broom or brush to remove dust, dirt and dry whitewash residues, if any. Do not try to completely remove the old protective layer - just get rid of peeling crusts. If there is moss or lichen on the tree, carefully remove them with a scraper or the same brush. Although you can just put on cloth gloves on your hands and clean the affected areas palms.

Start whitewashing the wood. Carefully apply the composition to the trunk, trying to cover up all cracks and other damage to the bark. One layer about 2-3 mm thick is enough. It is not necessary to make the coating too dense, otherwise it may simply fall off.

Whitewash should completely cover the trunk from the ground to the second fork.

Whitewash all fruit and ornamental trees in your garden.