In autumn there is no time to rest from . At this time of year, we need to properly prepare plants for the coming winter. We also cannot forget about fruit trees. This time we will focus on whitening them, i.e. painting the trunks white. Check the most important information about this treatment.
Many people start whitening their fruit trees only in February or March. This date is definitely too late. At this time, the nights are warmer, so the treatment has a minimal impact on plant protection.
That is why it is better to whitewash in November or the first half of December. We will then prepare the trees for sudden temperature changes.
Fruit trees are exposed to frost damage that occurs after sunny days. They reduce the hardening of the barkas well as stimulation of cells and juices.
During frosty nights, the bark begins to freeze and cracks and wounds develop, which are ideal places for pathogens and pests. Whitewashing protects plants from this situation by reflecting sunlight off the trunks. Therefore, there will be no damage due to temperature fluctuations.
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Fruit trees are most often whitened with lime milk. You can make them yourself, dissolving 1 kg of quicklime in 5 liters of water.
We recommend adding clay, starch or white emulsion paint to this mixture in order to obtain better adhesion to the trunks. Thanks to these ingredients, lime will withstand rain and snow.
We can also buy ready-made lime in the store. Such a product already has increased adhesion, so we do not need to add anything to it.
To whiten fruit trees, we use a brush with soft bristlesto distribute the lime evenly. We use it to apply the product, starting from the base of the branchesespecially from the south, which is more exposed to sunlight. In the case of a large orchard, it is worth considering using a sprayer.
The treatment should be repeated if the lime is washed away by rain or snow. Then we do not have to wash off the previous layer. The trees should remain white at least until the end of February.
Instead of whitewashing, we can wrap fruit tree trunks with paper or straw. Remember not to use foil for this, as this material will cause even greater damage.
On the other hand It is worth protecting young seedlings with plastic plant covers, placing them on the trunks. Thanks to them, we will also avoid gnawing the bark by rodents looking for food during the winter.
