The taste of a crisp apple or the sweet aroma of a pie can make you think of your own garden. It would seem that there is nothing difficult in caring for trees whose fruits take root well in our climate. But apple trees require regular and careful care in order to get a good harvest.
The bark itself performs protective functions and protects the tree from negative factors, but the external environment, temperature changes and pests can cause irreparable harm to the garden.
Basic selection conditions
Whiteness must be a mandatory requirement for selection. It is she who is able to reflect the sun's rays. White paint allows the wood to remain cool, just as light-colored clothing protects a person from the heat. White color reflects the sun's rays and heat, preventing overheating. The apple tree is less stressed and focuses on fruit development.
The mixture should stick well to the tree bark and not wash off. It is desirable that the composition contains components to protect against pests.
Lime and chalk
Many gardeners prefer lime-based solutions. The advantages of this method are obvious - environmental friendliness, harmlessness and accessibility. Slaked lime is used to whitewash trees. You can buy slaked lime, or you can prepare it yourself by mixing it with an equal amount of water.This method perfectly protects apple tree trunks from frost and ultraviolet radiation, but does not help against pests, so it is recommended to add copper sulfate to the solution.
Chalk is suitable for young trees. It allows you to achieve a snow-white color, is completely natural and safe and has mild properties. Before applying chalk, it is necessary to spray the trunk with an insecticide against insects and rodents and a fungicide against viral and microbial diseases. The disadvantage of chalk is that it is easily washed off by rain.
It is good to mix the lime solution with clay, this will provide more reliable protection of the trunk from negative external factors. The viscous properties of the clay will help the solution adhere firmly to the bark.
Garden paints
Special paints are used to paint trunks. They are easy to use as they are sold ready-made.
The water-based coating has properties similar to lime, but lasts much longer. The paint prevents the destruction of the bark during sudden temperature changes and protects from bright sunlight. This paint can only be used on mature trees. One of the disadvantages of water-based paint is that it does not protect against pests. Adding copper sulfate is not allowed, as it will darken.
Acrylics can protect wood from pests and fungus. Ingredients containing copper are mixed into them. When choosing a product, you should pay attention to the composition. Garden paints usually contain antiseptic and antiparasitic components.
White water-dispersion paint contains latex and an antiseptic component.Its main advantage over water-based ones is its ability to repel rodents and insects. This paint should be applied at an air temperature of no higher than 7 °C.
Alkyd resins are the main element of alkyd paints. Such paints are gaining popularity among gardeners for their resistance to mechanical damage and temperature influences. Alkyd paint dries quickly and does not have a strong odor.
The use of silicone and oil-based paints is unacceptable, as they impede the flow of air and disrupt the natural development of the apple tree.
Even though nature has taken care of protecting trees by providing them with strong bark, they require human help to survive. Painting the trunks will protect the garden from various problems and will help reward the caring owner with high yields.
