In this short article, I want to talk about the optimal, in my opinion, whitewash height for fruit trees. The thing is that the success of the whole procedure largely depends on it.
If the protective solution is applied only to the lower part of the trunk, there will be no whitewashing effect. The bark of the exposed skeletal branches will suffer from severe frosts and bright sun. If you paint all possible areas, the solution consumption will be too high, and the procedure will take too long.
Where is that golden mean? To answer the question, I will share my experience.
Most gardeners agree that whitewashing the entire stem of the tree and one third of the lower skeletal branches is optimal. And at first glance, this approach seems rational. However, this formula is not always applicable. I'll tell you about the example of a pear.
A single pear grows behind the house. It was planted over 10 years ago and is already actively producing small but sweet fruits. The harvest this year was excellent.
Autumn has come, and with it it's time to whitewash the trees. Since the skeletal branches of the pear are too close to the ground, the above formula cannot be applied to them.
In this case, whitewashing of the trunk and branches to a level of 1.8 meters will be optimal. This is a fairly comfortable height that you can easily reach with your hand without aids.
I paint the lower skeletal branches almost completely. They are too close to the ground and should be well protected. In addition, it is in them that the first sap flow begins in spring.
I paint the upper skeletal branches to a level of 1.8 meters. It no longer makes sense to apply the solution above. Up to this level, I whitewash the center conductor.
Thus, I whitewash all fruit trees to a height of 1.7 - 1.8 meters. In my opinion, this is the optimal level. It can be reached by hand, provides good protection and does not require too much mortar.
Read on my website -Why lime mortar is not the best preparation for whitewashing trees
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