The Surprising Reason Trees Are Painted White

The internet is full of surprising reasons behind the odd things we see—like square ocean waves or barns decorated with stars. So when we noticed trees with white-painted trunks, we had to dig deeper.

It turns out, it’s not just a quirky decoration—it’s a form of protection.

During winter, sunlight warms a tree’s bark during the day, causing it to expand. But when nighttime temperatures drop suddenly, the bark contracts quickly. This rapid change can cause the bark to crack, harming the tree.

By painting the trunks white, sunlight is reflected away, keeping the bark cooler during the day and reducing the risk of damage from these temperature swings.