Protecting mature beech from sunscald

[wjotner]

So a few months back, a large sycamore fell over after root failure. This tree was providing shade to the two mature beeches next to it. With this gone, I've noticed patches of peeling bark on lower sections of the stem facing westwards where most sun will come from during the day.

I know there's not a lot to be done with the bark already damaged. But is there any value in painting parts of the stem white to prevent further damage?

[Excels1or]

Wouldn't paint the tree as it'll effect the gas exchange through the bark. I believe you can get a wrap, which they tend to use in America

[Stere]

They  white wash alot of trees in some countries  I assume against sunscald or pests or both.

 

I dunno how effective it is but doesn't seem to be harmful.

 

 

Loads of white washed trees in France & Greece etc both street trees and orchards.

[dumper]

Use a hessian roll from builders merchant, they use it to protect brickwork, double layer held in place with a degradable twine then leave nature to it 

Edited May 18 by dumper
Grammar

[wjotner]

On 18/05/2024 at 10:19, Excels1or said:

Wouldn't paint the tree as it'll effect the gas exchange through the bark. I believe you can get a wrap, which they tend to use in America

I think it would need the right kind of paint, not Dulux 😂

[wjotner]

On 18/05/2024 at 12:09, dumper said:

Use a hessian roll from builders merchant, they use it to protect brickwork, double layer held in place with a degradable twine then leave nature to it 

Interesting idea. Trouble is these are large, mature highway trees, any kind of wrapping etc would probably need maintenance, which council won't do. That's why I thought tree paint, similar to what they use in Europe might be useful. I know it's not normal practice here.

[Stere]

From reading up on the internet limewash seems traditional.

 

 

Also seems some german companies make special paints

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Etisso-Alsam-Trunk-Protector-White/dp/B07B26DCPF

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/White-Paste-Against-Frost-Damage/dp/B004QBBKYY

 

Lac balsam one  mentions  it will last 5 yrs

 

 

 

Old thread on sun scald