The internet is full of surprising explanations for the odd things we see around us—like square ocean waves or barns with stars. So when we came across trees with white-painted trunks, we had to find out why.
Turns out, it’s not just a quirky decoration—it’s protection.
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In winter, sunlight can warm a tree’s bark during the day, causing it to expand. When temperatures drop at night, the bark quickly contracts. This sudden shift can cause the bark to crack, damaging the tree.
Painting the trunks white reflects sunlight and keeps the bark from heating up too much during the day, reducing the risk of cracking.
So next time you see white paint on a tree, just know—it’s sunscreen for bark!
