I used to wonder why some trees have white-painted trunks. Every time I passed by, I asked myself if it meant something important. Recently, I discovered that this simple trick carries a very specific purpose.

Tree planters use white paint as a protective measure, communicating crucial information about a tree’s health and well-being.

What Tree Markings Mean
You might have seen other tree markings too. Orange dots often signal that a tree will be cut down, while purple marks indicate private property or “no trespassing.”

But white paint serves a completely different role. It protects trees from a common winter threat called sunscald.
How Winter Damages Trees
During winter, trees face extreme temperature swings. Daytime sun heats the bark, causing it to expand. At night, temperatures drop rapidly, making the bark contract.