Paint fruit tree trunks to protect against pests and winter damage

Protecting fruit trees from pests and harsh weather is a year-round challenge for growers. Rodents, borers, and winter temperature swings can cause serious damage to bark and branches. A simple, low-cost solution — painting fruit tree trunks with white latex paint — can shield your trees from these threats while improving their long-term health.

Why paint fruit tree trunks?

Painting fruit tree trunks with undiluted white latex paint creates a barrier that stops bark from splitting during cold nights and warm days. The white paint reflects harsh winter sunlight in the day, and help the tree retain warmth at night.

This method also keeps rodents at bay. In northern regions, mice and voles can girdle trees under snow cover. Rabbits chew bark during winter, often killing young trees. Adding a rabbit repellent to the paint mixture gives extra protection in areas with heavy rabbit activity.

Grower success stories

Several growers have shared their results with painting fruit tree trunks, and the findings are impressive.

“Painting the lower tree trunks in my orchards with undiluted white latex paint completely eliminated rabbit damage,” says Randy Steffens of Shepherd’s Valley Orchards in Chattanooga, Tennessee. “I’ve used it for years now without needing separate rabbit guards.”

Steffens even painted trunks after seeing rabbit damage in the the fall — and the problem stopped immediately. “The rabbits take a bite or two, then leave the painted trees alone for the rest of the season,” he said.

Kevin Hauser of Kuffel Creek Apple Nursery in Riverside, California, also found that painting fruit tree trunks helped against boring insects. His preferred mix is:

• One-third white paint (his preference is Glidden Gripper)
• One-third all-purpose drywall joint compound
• One-third water

This blend brushes on easily and leaves a thick, protective coat. Hauser credits John Bunker of Fedco Trees in Maine for inspiring the drywall compound addition, originally used to prevent winter sunscald.

Research-backed results

A Cornell University study by David Kain and Art Agnello supports grower observations. In trials, applying paint at full strength with a brush effectively prevented dogwood borer infestation, whereas diluted paint sprayed on the drunks did not stop the borers. The thick, brushed-on application lasted longer and offered more complete bark coverage.

Researchers noted that in a few cases, burrknot tissue grew through the paint layer and became exposed, so periodic inspections are very important.

How to apply tree trunk paint

For best results:

1. Choose high-quality, undiluted white latex paint.
2. Mix with water and joint compound if desired for extra thickness.
3. Apply with a brush from the base of the trunk upward to the first branches.
4. Reapply annually in late fall before winter damage begins.
5. Add rabbit repellent if rabbits are a known threat.

The bottom line: Paint fruit tree trunks

Painting fruit tree trunks is a proven, inexpensive way to protect trees from weather extremes, rodents, and boring insects. With a few supplies and an hour of work, you can give your orchard a strong layer of defense, backed by both grower experience and university research.

By Derrek Sigler, Assistant Editor