Whitewashing is one of the main procedures for caring for fruit trees. The application of an additional protective coating allows you to maintain, and in some cases even increase the yield. This is a fairly old agricultural practice used by almost all gardeners.
Whitewashing is carried out in autumn before the onset of frost and in spring, when the difference between temperatures becomes too strong. The main goals of the procedure are:
- Protection of tree bark from cracking. The most dangerous period is spring. With the arrival of heat, the sun's rays heat up the trunk in which sap flow begins rather quickly. At night, when the temperature drops below zero, the liquid freezes and tears apart plant tissue. As a result, cracks appear in the bark, which make the tree more vulnerable.
- Protecting the bark from sunlight. A tree can get sunburn both in winter and in spring. At this time, the trunk and branches are not shaded by the foliage, and the snow acts as a reflector.
- Protection from pests and diseases. By preventing the appearance of wounds and cracks, whitewashing preserves the bark - the tree's natural defense against inherent pests and diseases.
- Protection of existing damage. The whitewash forms an additional protective layer for cracks, fractures, burns and other damage sustained during the summer.
However, all of the above is only true if the whitewashing is done correctly. Mistakes can make the procedure harmful and downright useless. To avoid them, let's look at the most common misconceptions.
Mistakes that make whitewashing a harmful and useless procedure
Many gardeners carry out whitewashing only in the fall, at the end of the summer season. In most cases, this is not enough, but if there is no other way out, the paint must be selected very resistant. If you apply a lime mortar to the bark, then by spring the main part will be washed away by the rains and the tree will be unprotected in the most dangerous period. The procedure in this case will be completely useless.
For whitewashing, you need to use only specialized preparations. Building paints, which at first glance might be suitable, in fact, severely disrupt air and water exchange. This leads to decay and negatively affects the general condition of the tree. If you are not 100% sure about the composition of the paint, it is better to purchase a specialized preparation. Otherwise, whitewashing will only harm the culture.
Before applying the solution, the bark must be cleaned with a metal brush from dead growths, moss and lichens. This should be done carefully so as not to damage the living protective layer. Any cracks and flaws must be covered with garden varnish. Do not apply paint to peeling and dead bark. There is no need for this. If during the preparation of the trunk traces of pests or fungal diseases were found, the bark must be treated with a 3% solution of copper sulfate.
The height of the whitewash should reach and touch the lower skeletal branches. It is not enough to whitewash just the base of the barrel for protection. Saving time and paint reduces the effectiveness of the procedure to zero. The same goes for the application itself. The layer should be uniform and sufficiently thick in all areas of the whitewash.
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