Why are the trunks of some trees white
White or wrapped painted of tree trunks is a common practice that goes beyond aesthetics. In various places, streets and even rural areas, this technique that has specific purposes for their protection, especially those youngest or vulnerable can be observed.
One of the main benefits of this technique is protection against solar radiation. Young trees with thinner cortes are especially susceptible to solar burns, which can weaken their structure and generate damage to new outbreaks. When applying a layer of lime in the trunks, direct exposure to the sun is reduced since a physical barrier is created that protects the cortex. In areas with extreme climates, the white painted helps protect trees from both excessive heat in Summer as frost in winter. The Cal applied in the trunks acts as an insulator, regulating the temperature of the cortex and minimizing the damage that may occur during the most extreme stations. The enchanted also contributes to the maintenance of the pH in alkaline soils. When gradually washed by irrigation or rain, lime is modifying the pH of the ground around the tree trunk, which can improve the conditions for its growth. This is important in agricultural areas where fruit trees, such as cherry trees, apple trees, require specific soil conditions to properly develop. Despite their multiple benefits, the dwelling also their detractors. Some experts argue that the cals applied in the trunks can hinder the breathing of the tree, since, in addition to using the leaves and branches, the trunk also participates in the gas exchange. In some cases, it can also hide the presence of pests or diseases, such as fungi, whose color can be confused with that of lime.
IT MAY INTEREST YOU
Forest Innovation: New Sauce clones drive the timber industry
A technological development based on genetic improvement allows to increase productivity, reduce harvest times and strengthen the sustainability of production in the Paraná Delta
Burned wood: the Japanese technique that beautifies and protects the material
Elegant, ecological and resistant: the wood treated with the millenary technique called Yakisugi challenges the weather and the passage of time. In the world of design and construction, a Japanese ancestral technique is gaining prominence. This is the Yakisugi (also known as Shou Sugi Ban), a method that consists in burning the surface of the wood to make it more resistant and attractive. Although it may seem contradictory, exposing wood to fire gives natural protection against moisture, insects and deterioration over time.
Towards responsible consumption in Argentina: PEFC launches its first virtual training program on Chain of Custody for forest products in 2025
In a global context where responsible consumption and sustainability are increasingly relevant, PEFC Argentina and PEFC Uruguay present their first 2025 Virtual Training Program on custody chain for forest base products, which will begin on April 23, with a duration of four months. The initiative is aimed at technicians and professionals linked to the processing and elaboration of forest products. The program is tariff, and aims to acquire the necessary competences to implement the requirements of the PEFC certification scheme, which will allow companies to reach and maintain high international standards in traceability and sustainability. When we talk about custody chain we refer to the process that ensures that wood and other products from native forests, plantations and recycled materials are traceable, sustainable and from controlled sources, explained Florencia Chavat, executive director of Cerfoar - Pefc Argentina and one of those responsible for the course.
