Whitewashing apple trees to protect against diseases and pests: rules, compositions, and precautions
For apple trees to grow well and produce a bountiful harvest, they require careful care. One of the most important agricultural practices, a must for every gardener, is regular whitewashing of tree trunks. This simple task is part of a comprehensive protective program.
Content
Why do apple trees need whitewashing?
Painting trees Autumn is considered the main treatment that will save the life of the tree during the winter periodThe February sun is especially strong, stimulating the flow of sap in the trunk. And at sub-zero temperatures, this process can lead to the development of critical cracks.
Spring whitewashing apple tree trunks is considered the second most important procedure. It is performed in order to to protect the apple tree from attack by insect pests, which at this time awaken from hibernation and actively search for food. Furthermore, fluctuating temperatures in the spring can trigger bark cracking similar to that seen in winter.
In summer the painted trunk will no longer be able to attract sunlight so actively, that will prevent burns from appearing on itTherefore, updating security features in July is essential.
The need for protection in young trees
Beginning gardeners wonder: is there a need to whitewash the trunks of young apple trees? Opponents of this practice argue that painting the bark before it hardens and becomes cracked is pointless. However, this opinion is erroneous, because The risk of burns in young trees is even higher than in mature treesBy whitewashing you will preserve it health.
Apple tree saplings under two years old are recommended to be whitewashed with chalk, as more aggressive lime can significantly damage their delicate bark. The following mixture is a universal recipe:
- 2 liters of water;
- 300 g chalk;
- 2 tbsp. copper sulfate;
- 200 g of office glue;
- 200 g clay;
- 30 g of malathion.
Mix all ingredients until smooth. This mixture will not only prevent sunburn but also strengthen the body's protective barrier against various diseases.
This solution can be used to whitewash young apple trees both in spring and autumn.
Treatment time by season and region
It is recommended to whitewash apple tree bark twice a year: in spring and fall. A preventative refresh is recommended in the summer. The first procedure will be rational protective action against insects and the influence of temperature changesBut autumn whitewashing is considered the most effective, as it not only protects trees from burns but also protects them from rodent attacks, which cause significant damage to apple trees.
In mid-summer, an additional procedure should be carried out, which is designed to renew the main protective layer washed away by rain.
The timing of the event varies significantly depending on the region of the country. Spring treatment is carried out:
- in the southern part of Russia – in the second half of March;
- in the middle zone - at the beginning of April;
- in the northwest of the country – in mid-April.
In autumn, trees are whitewashed, regardless of climate zones, after the leaves have fallen – in November.
High-quality and useful compositions
Specialty stores offer a wide range of garden whitewash products. They are made from various bases and contain all sorts of useful additives.
Lime
Slaked lime is one of the most popular gardening products among Russian gardeners. Its affordability and beneficial properties are a definite plus. To ensure better adhesion to the bark, clay is always added to the solution. Whitewashing apple trees with a weak solution is pointless. This coating will quickly wash away in rain and will require repeated reapplication.
The mixture is prepared as follows:
- 600 g of lime is slaked with 4 liters of water.
- To increase stickiness, add 4 tablespoons of PVA glue or 1 glass of milk.
- Mix all ingredients until smooth, and add 2 tablespoons of copper sulfate to enhance the disinfectant effect.
Water-based paint
Whitewashing with water-based paint provides reliable, long-lasting results. It adheres well to the tree trunk and is excellent at reflecting sunlight. This paint is best used in the spring because it contains no additives that have a disinfecting effect.
An alternative to water-based paint, acrylic paint, will not only act as a reflector but also protect the apple tree from fungal infections and insect attacks. The downside is its significant cost.
Avoid using copper-containing fertilizers too frequently. Copper tends to accumulate in the soil and inhibit seedling growth.
Chalk
Chalk is an excellent alternative to lime. It can be used to achieve a perfectly white finish. Moreover, its softer properties make it suitable even for painting young apple trees. The downside of chalk-based solutions is their short lifespan.
Treatment with such a substance must be repeated several times during the season.
Clay and mullein
This natural product is highly prized by gardeners because it not only acts as a sun reflector. The mixture adheres securely to the bark, acting as a kind of sealant for cracks and mechanical damage. Clay and mullein have excellent thermal insulation qualities, but do not block the pores of the apple tree cover.
To prepare the solution, you'll need 3 kg of clay and 10 liters of water. Mullein is added later. Its volume is measured by eye, mixing it into the mixture until the desired consistency is achieved.
White or yellow clay is suitable for whitewashing.
Creolin and copper sulfate
For autumn treatment of apple trees, it is better to use the following solution:
- 2 liters of water;
- 40 g of copper sulfate;
- glue in the amount of 50% of the total volume of contents;
- creolin;
- "Knockdown".
This mixture will not only reliably protect the fruit tree's covering from the scorching sun and bitter frost in winter, but will also protect it from the attacks of various rodents.
Glossy finish
This mixture turns into a shiny bark coating that perfectly reflects the sun's rays. It's prepared as follows:
- from 300 g of "fluff";
- 2 liters of water;
- 2 tbsp. PVA glue.
Specialized whitewashing solutions
Repeated testing of store-bought products reveals instability of the resulting coverage and the need for multiple re-treatments. These include:
- GreenSquare – acrylic composition;
- Robin Green – silver biomask;
- "Gardener" - lime plus copper sulfate.
Experienced gardeners consider acrylic compounds to be the best store-bought product.
Preparation for whitewashing, tools and painting stages
Strict adherence to all rules and stages of the process guarantees the desired result. First, it's necessary to prepare the apple tree trunk.
No metal knives or brushes should be used, as they cause great harm to the apple tree.
Cleaning the trunk and branches
Cloudy weather is chosen for this purpose. The cleaning is carried out as follows:
- Moss and lichen growths, as well as damaged bark, are removed from the branches and trunk. This is done manually, without the use of additional equipment; all you need is gloves.
- Cracks and injuries are cleaned down to the healthy layer.
Bark disinfection
The next step is disinfecting the apple tree's coverings, which is best done on a dry, sunny, and windless day. This procedure is necessary:
- to destroy pathogens and insects;
- disinfection of wounds.
Suitable for disinfection: "Oxyhom", "Hom", Bordeaux mixtureChemical preparations can be alternated with proven folk remedies, such as ash-soap infusion.
Sealing wounds on the bark
Next, all damage to the bark must be repaired. This is accomplished by applying special sealants. These include:
- clay;
- garden var;
- store-bought pastes.
Whitewashing procedure technology
Once the preliminary procedures are complete, it's time to begin the actual whitewashing process. This is accomplished in several stages:
- The soil around the tree is cleared away, and whitewashing begins a couple of centimeters below ground levelUpon completion, it is returned to its place.
- When painting the trunk, special attention is paid to the depressions and cracks.
- Skeletal branches and forks cover with the mixture 1/3 of the total length, and its layer should not exceed 3 mm. Otherwise, the coating will peel off.
- Branches from the general crown are not whitewashed.
- Minimum the whitewashing height of mature trees is 1.5 mYoung apple trees are painted up to the first branches.
Whitewashing is carried out in dry weather to allow the composition to penetrate deep into the bark.
The following tools can be used for coloring:
- Paint brush – its use is justified when whitewashing the garden with water-based or acrylic paints.
- A wash brush is a tool made from linden bast that holds the working solution perfectly.
- A Maklovitsa is a construction brush with a comfortable handle. This tool is ideal for whitewashing old trees. The long bristles pick up a large amount of whitewash and distribute it perfectly across the entire surface of the bark.
- A sponge is a handy tool for applying solutions to low trees. Its flexible structure helps fill all cracks and crevices.
- Sprayer – used for painting large areas and tall trees.
Adviсe
In addition to following painting techniques and selecting high-quality mixtures, it's recommended to pay attention to a few helpful tips that will come in handy during the process. When whitewashing apple trees, you can:
replace the water in the mixture with a decoction of medicinal herbs: yarrow or chamomile;- reduce the fluidity of the solution with milk;
- feed the tree with cow manure, which is part of the mixture as an adhesive component.
replace the water in the mixture with a decoction of medicinal herbs: yarrow or chamomile;
Proper and systematic apple tree bark care will yield visible results within just a few years. Your trees will become much less prone to disease, and their productivity and longevity will increase significantly.
