Should I paint apple tree trunks to prevent sunscald?

Painting the trunks of apple trees white is usually done shortly after planting, painting the lower 18-24” of tree trunk to the soil line or even up into the lower branches. Trees can be painted with white interior or exterior LATEX paint, full strength or diluted up to 50% with water to facilitate application. Trees are painted for several reasons. In many areas of the country tree injury occurs during the dormant season, primarily in late winter, from intense sun on the tree trunk during the day and dramatic temperature drops at night which result in a splitting of the tree trunk. This type of injury is frequently referred to as southwest injury or sunscald. Painting the trunk white reflects the sunlight during the day, minimizing the temperature build up during the day, and minimizing the potential for trunk injury. Depending on tree growth and management practices, trees usually need to be repainted every 1-2 years, although the need for painting decreases as the tree ages and the bark ‘thickens.’ Another benefit of painting young trees shortly after planting is to minimize the potential for herbicide injury during the first year with the paint acting as a barrier for the green growth of the tree trunk. There has been suggestion that a thicker coat of white paint deters adult dogwood borers from laying eggs, however, this has not been scientifically proven. Dr. Michael Parker, North Carolina State University

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