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What is the best way to whitewash trees in autumn: secrets of protecting the garden from winter adversity
09.11.2024 05:20
Autumn whitewashing of trees is an important stage in preparing the garden for winter.
The correct choice of means for treating trunks will help protect trees from sudden temperature changes, sunburn and pests.
An expert of the online publication "BelNovosti", agronomist and landscape designer Anastasia Kovrizhnykh shared important recommendations.
Traditional lime whitewash
Lime is considered a classic option for whitewashing trees. Its popularity is due to its availability and ease of preparation of the solution.
To obtain a quality mixture, you need to mix slaked lime with water to the consistency of liquid sour cream. Adding copper sulfate will enhance the protective properties of the composition.
Advantages of lime whitewash:
• Cost-effectiveness
• Highly effective against fungal diseases
• Reflection of sunlight
Flaws:
• Short life of the coating
• Need for frequent updates
Modern acrylic compositions
Water-based acrylic paints are a modern alternative to lime.
They form an elastic film that does not crack when the temperature changes and stays on the trunks for a long time.
Advantages of acrylic compositions:
• Long service life
• Resistance to precipitation
• Uniform coverage
Flaws:
• Higher cost
• Less vapor permeability compared to lime
Special purpose garden paints
To protect trees, special paints containing fungicides and insecticides have been developed. They provide comprehensive protection against pests and diseases.
Advantages of special paints:
• Targeted protection against specific problems
• Ease of use
• Long lasting effect
Flaws:
• High price
• The need to comply with safety measures when working
Choosing the optimal remedy
When choosing a whitewash composition, you should take into account the age of the trees, the climatic conditions of the region and the individual characteristics of the garden. Young seedlings are best treated with gentle compositions, and more durable options are suitable for adult trees.
It is important to remember that whitewashing is needed not only for beauty, but also to protect trees. A properly selected product will help the gardener maintain the health of fruit crops and ensure a good harvest next season.
Whitewashing technique
The whitewashing process requires accuracy and compliance with certain rules. Before applying the composition, it is necessary to clean the bark from dead parts and moss. Whitewash is applied in dry weather at a temperature above +5°C. To distribute the product evenly, use a wide brush or a special roller.
Particular attention is paid to the lower part of the trunk and the forks of the branches, where moisture most often accumulates and cracks appear. The layer of whitewash should be thick enough to provide reliable protection, but not so thick as to prevent the bark from breathing.
Timing of autumn treatment
The optimal time for autumn whitewashing of trees is the end of October or the beginning of November, when the leaves have already fallen and stable frosts have not yet set in. Such terms allow the protective layer to be well fixed on the bark before the onset of cold weather.
The frequency of the procedure depends on the chosen product. Lime whitewash is usually renewed twice a year - in autumn and spring. Modern compositions can retain their properties for several seasons.
