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White trunked trees


Beautiful Trees with White Bark & Where to Find Them – FastGrowingTrees.com

There's plenty of good reasons to add a tree or two to your property, and there are many different types of trees that you might be considering for your home.

The next time you take a walk or a drive around your area, take careful note of the color of the bark of each tree you pass. Most of them have brown, woody bark, but a select few varieties are blessed with bark that reflects the light, appearing a brilliant white on sunny days.

These white bark trees are more common than you might think, and their distinctive appearance makes them highly sought-after by homeowners.

Why Do Some Trees Have White Bark?

White bark on trees is a biological adaptation that protects against sun damage. Darker trees will collect heat faster when illuminated by the sun, while lighter trees will reflect the sunlight with their white bark. Too much heat from sunlight can actually damage trees — especially those in colder growing zones — by way of a phenomenon called sunscald.

As a result, some trees, like the River Birch, have adapted over time to have white bark, a side effect of which is looking great on a residential property as complements to evergreen trees or standing on their own.

The Best White Bark Trees

There are many different types of trees with white bark to choose from. However, not every tree is a good fit for every climate, and if you try to transplant a tree in the wrong growing zone it may not last.

1. Birch Trees

Birch trees are some of the most common trees with white bark that you're likely to see. They're extremely resilient and look great during all four seasons. These trees, belonging to the Betula family, thrive in the Northern hemisphere, most notably in North America, Europe, and Asia.

The birch tree with the whitest bark is the aptly named
White Birch.

It's resistant to many blights and illnesses but prefers cooler climates than most other birch trees. For example, while other varieties of birch grow well in zones 4 to 9, the white birch — also called the "Paper Birch" due to the way its bark peels off in sheets — survives best in zones 2 through 6.

River Birch Trees are another type of birch with white bark, although they're not as bright as White Birch trees.

This is especially true of the Heritage River Birch, which has white bark under a darker outer layer that can shed in certain conditions. Preferred by homeowners in areas with a warmer climate, River Birch trees thrive in a higher range of hardiness zones.

Depending on the type of birch tree you're looking for, you can expect them to grow around 1.5 feet per year, reaching a height of 30 to 40 feet tall after 20 years.

2. Poplar Trees

Trees of the family Populus are also known for their white bark, though not as well or as broadly as birch trees.

The poplar tree with the whitest bark is the
White or Silver Poplar.

It can be distinguished from the white birch fairly easily, even if you can't tell the difference in leaves. The White Birch has brilliant, white bark that peels in bands, while the White Poplar is actually a bit of a misnomer — while it appears to be white, it's more like a silvery gray color and is tighter on the trunk. White Poplars are extremely common in North America, although they have invasive traits, so make sure you do your research before shopping for a poplar tree.

White and Hybrid Poplars are commonly sought after for the width of their canopy, which makes them excellent shade trees. Adding a shade tree to your property can create the ideal environment for staying cool during the summer.

Although it’s rarely considered a true
Poplar, the Quaking Aspen is a unique tree known for its snow white bark.

Iconic in the Rocky Mountains (and the ski town with the same name), the Quaking Aspen is said to quake due to the slight flutter of its leaves in even the mildest breeze. Some Aspen Trees do have brilliant white bark during parts of the year and, during the fall, they're well known for their leaves, which turn a striking, bright yellow. Ultimately, however, they're not the best choice for residential homeowners, as they don't live as long as other trees. Most Quaking Aspens have a shorter growth cycle and only tend to live for an average of 20 years.

3. Sycamore Trees

By far the largest tree on this list, the American Sycamore (a member of the Platanus family) is a resilient tree, able to be planted anywhere in zones 4 through 9, and is known for its striking bark at various times throughout the year. Sycamore trees start the spring with darker bark that slowly sheds over the course of the year to reveal grayish-white bark underneath. Most Sycamore Trees never lose all of their outer bark resulting in a unique "mosaic" look of light and dark bark.

Sycamores top out at around 90 feet high and are resistant to a range of disease and contamination, which makes them a popular choice for suburban and residential streets.

4. Gum or Eucalyptus Trees

The Ghost Gum and its close cousins of the Eucalyptus family are very unique trees, looking more at home in a desert or grassland than a residential yard. This is only fitting considering that they are native to the Australian outback.

With that in mind, homeowners in extremely tropical parts of the U.S. may be able to enjoy the beauty of these trees. The reason we're calling out the Ghost Gum is because of the especially attractive appearance of its bark — from a distance, its pinkish-white hue looks smooth and uninterrupted, almost like a drawing of a tree rather than a real one.

The Benefits of White Bark Trees

Choosing a tree with white bark depends greatly on the climate where you live. People in the American midwest won't be able to support a gum tree in the same way that people living in South Florida will have a hard time with a White Birch.

With this in mind, whether you're looking for a smooth bark tree or a rough one, a white tree with peeling bark or one that's a little easier on the lawn, you can't go wrong with any on this list.

Still searching for the right tree for you? Be sure to check out the variety of white bark trees we offer at Fast Growing Trees.

Blair Brown

Blair is the Content Marketing Manager at FastGrowingTrees.com, and though she's not your traditional gardener, the planting world is definitely growing on her (pun intended!). She's enjoyed digging into plant care and maintenance and growing her plant collection, especially with exotic indoor varieties.

The 6 Best White Bark Trees That Look Great All Year

Photo: istockphoto.com

Often, trees are selected and grown for their foliage, fruit, or flowers—seasonal features that blossom and fade over several months. However, it’s not impossible to find deciduous trees (those with leaves that drop over the winter) capable of delivering beauty year-round. The key is to narrow your search to trees with white bark. Even in winter months, when barren, uniquely alabaster branches offer a striking contrast against dark siding, a backdrop of evergreens, or even against the winter sky.

While trees with white bark are not rare, they’re not as common as other trees for two reasons: Certain varieties require particular growing climates, while others are subject to disease and insect infestation. Before choosing a tree, make sure it’s suitable for your geographic region by consulting the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, which indicates the coldest average winter temperatures by region.

Keep in mind that some white trees have additional geographical requirements on top of hardiness zones, such as altitude limitations, so do your homework to determine which trees to grow and which trees to avoid. The following six types of trees are among those most commonly chosen for the beauty of their white bark.

The 6 Best Trees with White Bark

While their growing ranges are limited in scope, the following trees thrive in specific regions and under particular growing conditions. Planting a white bark tree will add visual interest to the landscape and help increase the property’s value.

Photo: istockphoto.com

1. Himalayan Birch (Betula utilis)

You may be familiar with some species of birch that have beige or brown bark, but a select few species of Himalayan birch (Betula utilis var. jacquemontii) feature creamy white trunks and limbs. Native to the Himalayan region, these birch trees prefer cool, well-drained soil and full-to-partial sun exposure. These birch varieties grow best in zones 1 through 7, although areas where summer temps regularly exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit can be detrimental to their growth. If you live in northern areas of the contiguous United States, Canada, or Alaska, check out the following trees with white bark—though very similar, each has a few unique qualities.

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While the trees, themselves, love full sun, the ground around their roots should be shaded. This can be accomplished by adding a layer of hardwood bark mulch around the trunk. Additionally, Himalayan birch trees are prone to infestation by sawflies and aphids, and they can develop diseases, such as rust and leaf spot. For the best results, have the tree checked annually by a tree professional (arborist) and treated as necessary to keep it in top health.

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Photo: istockphoto.com

2. American Aspen (Populus tremuloides)

For fans of colorful autumn foliage, nothing beats the brilliant gold and orange show put on by a grove of Aspen trees on the side of a forested mountain. The American Aspen (Populus tremuloides), also known as “quaking aspen” or “trembling aspen,” produces a smooth–bark white tree trunk that can reach 80 feet at maturity with a narrow crown spread of only 20 feet. American Aspen’s striking white bark will develop contrasting black markings as it matures, which add to its visual interest. In optimal conditions, American Aspen is a quick grower, growing as much as four feet per year.

This soaring tree grows best in zones 2 through 7, and while it likes full sun, it doesn’t care for summer temperatures that regularly exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It also will not abide low elevations: American Aspen rarely grows at elevations less than 2,000 feet, and grows best at elevations between 5,000 to 12,000 feet. By entering your city and state on this interactive elevation map, you can determine if an American Aspen is suitable for your area. (Bonus points if you’re in the right elevation range and located near banks and streams, as these trees with white bark thrive with plenty of water and well-drained soil.)

With its tall, lean stature, American Aspen is well-suited to growing in clumps, and when planted three to five inches apart will produce a multi-trunk effect. It’s just as attractive when planted individually along fences and property lines, or anywhere else a statuesque border is desired. Aspens spread by root shoots, so a few clumps of aspen could become a spectacular grove in 15 to 20 years.

Photo: istockphoto.com

3. American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis)

Reaching an average height of 100 feet at maturity with a similarly wide crown spread, the white bark American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) is a dramatic addition to a large landscape. It grows well in zones 4 through 9, averaging two to two-and-a-half feet of growth per year. It produces insignificant yellow-red flowers in spring that give way to large green leaves (up to nine inches wide) in summer. Brownish non-edible fruit balls develop in summer and eventually dry out, bursting open to release downy seeds. Its mottled white bark, which starts out brown and turns creamy white after 10 to 12 years, makes it a favorite in the winter landscape.

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Due to its large size—the average mature trunk measures three to eight feet in diameter but has been known to reach as wide as 16 feet—it needs plenty of room to grow. Historically, the trunk of this tree with white bark was favored by Native Americans who would hollow it out for canoes.

American sycamore is best suited as a single specimen tree in a large area where it can reach its full growth potential. It thrives in well-drained, moist soil that’s high in organic matter. The largest American sycamore specimens are found along waterways, so plant this tree near a pond or stream for the best results. While American sycamore prefers a location where it receives full sun, it will tolerate light shade.

Photo: istockphoto.com

4. Ghost Gum (Corymbia aparrerinja)

If you live in zones 9 and 10 and are looking for a fast-growing, white bark tree that won’t lose its foliage during the winter months, consider planting a Ghost Gum (Eucalyptus pauciflora). Native to Australia, the Ghost Gum, also called “snow gum” and “white sallee,” has made a name for itself in warmer regions of the US. With its ability to grow up to three feet per year, it doesn’t take Ghost Gum long to become a specimen in the landscape.

It reaches 45 to 50 feet in height with a crown spread of 25 to 30 feet at maturity. In addition to its creamy colored smooth bark, Ghost Gum features attractive gnarled branches, and the tree emits a faint but distinct aroma of eucalyptus. From October through December, Ghost Gum blossoms cover the tree in an explosion of delicate white flowers that offer a striking contrast against its deep green waxy leaves.

This variety grows in all types of soil, won’t mind drought, and flourishes in full sun (although it will tolerate partial shade). Perhaps unsurprisingly, it also thrives in salty coastal regions. Its rapid growth rate and tough demeanor—resistant to smog, insects, and diseases—also make it a good choice for planting in urban neighborhoods. It grows well in various soil types—from loamy to sandy but is susceptible to damage from beetle borers and root rot. Ghost Gum makes an excellent single specimen tree but is just as attractive when planted in groups of three or more.

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Photo: istockphoto.com

5. White Poplar (Populus alba)

Native to Europe and Central Asia, White popular is now grown in many countries, including zones 3 to 8 in the United States, where can become a remarkable focal point in the landscape. White popular produces silvery-green foliage, and at maturity, it reaches 50-75 feet, with a crown spread of up to 75 feet, making it well-suited for growing on large open lots.

The bark on white poplar produces a light green tinge when the tree is young but will mature to a white base with contrasting black patches and dark furrowed ridges. White poplar needs a sunny location with at least 6 hours of direct sun per day, and it prefers well-drained soil. However, it is tolerant of high moisture levels and will even withstand occasional flooding conditions.

An attractive specimen in the winter landscape, the tree is popular with nesting songbirds and squirrels. For all its positives, although, white poplar is not without challenges. The tree propagates itself quickly through sucker growth, so surrounding grounds should be carefully maintained to keep new suckers from growing.

6. European Poplar (Populus tremula)

Photo: istockphoto.com

Related to American aspen and grown for its silvery-white bark that’s delightfully interspersed with patches of golden yellow, European poplar is commonly found in New England. It will survive as far north as USDA zone 2. Its bark remains smooth its entire life and the tree is often harvested for use as a veneer on high-quality wood furniture.

European popular grows quite tall, reaching 130 feet and producing a dense crown spread of up to 33 feet. The trunk base itself can reach 3 feet in diameter at maturity, making the tree well-suited to large lots and parks where its shimmery foliage can be enjoyed in summer and its stark white bark admired in winter.

The European poplar does best in a sunny location and thrives in moist but well-drained soil. It can be planted as a single specimen tree or in groupings of three or more in borders or privacy screens.

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FAQ About Trees with White Bark

White bark trees are alluring and beautiful in the winter landscape when their trunks and branches provide a stark contrast against buildings and gray skies. For those looking to incorporate the beauty of white bark trees in the landscape, some questions are to be expected.

What type of trees are white?

Among the most common types of white bark trees are varieties of aspen, birch, poplar, sycamore, and gum species.

What kind of tree has bark that looks like paper?

A type of birch, paper birch (Betula papyrifera), produces peeling white bark that resembles sheets of paper flaking off the trunk and branches.

What is the tree with large white flowers?

Several trees produce large white flowers in spring, with two of the most common being Southern Magnolia and White Dogwood.

What does a white poplar tree look like?

Also called “Silver Poplar,” the white poplar grows as tall as 75 feet with a crown spread just as large. At maturity, its white bark develops contrasting black ridges that offer a visually interesting design element in the landscape.

Final Thoughts

While most deciduous trees can be quite dull in the winter landscape, with their brownish-gray trunks and branches, white bark trees produce a stark contrast against houses, buildings, and gray skies. However, getting the right one requires researching the species to ensure it will thrive in a specific region.

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Why whitewash tree trunks in Krasnoyarsk? Understanding | Prospekt Mira

In the spring, mass whitewashing begins on the streets of Russian cities. The minimum program is tree trunks to a height of one and a half meters, the maximum program is poles, curbs, fences, stray dogs, gaping pigeons. Some citizens see what is happening as caring for trees and increased aestheticism, while urban environment experts are furious and curse “camp habits”. Let's try to figure out who is right in this dispute. nine0003

Let us immediately inform you: the Krasnoyarsk mayor's office does not approve of whitewashing trees, moreover, according to the official statement of officials, explanatory work is even carried out in the city among employees of the housing and communal services sector, who are explained that whitewashing is not necessary. Despite this, the trees in Krasnoyarsk still continue to whitewash.

For example, on April 29, Anton Shatalov, managing partner of the architectural company Project Development, noticed white trunks in the park on Dzerzhinsky Street, and since Shatalov himself was engaged in the design of the area, such arbitrariness especially outraged him. nine0003

Dear citizens, city officials and other beauty professionals, stop whitewashing trees and borders! Exercise in your country house if you like the aesthetics of the camps so much. Leave the city alone! It’s good that they didn’t think of whitening the bollards,” Anton wrote on his Facebook page.

Whitewashing was also noticed near the editorial office of Prospekt Mir on the Paris Commune.

The following arguments are usually given as arguments in favor:

1) Whitewashing saves trees from rodents nine0003

2) Whitewashing saves trees from beetles

3) Whitewashing saves trees from frost holes

First, let's look at the history of the issue:

The tradition, according to the designer of All Rus' Artemy Lebedev, referring to the Zhytomyr blogger ztmr, allegedly originated during the Second World War.

“This was done along the transport arteries so that the convoys could move at night with the headlights turned off - so the convoys were invisible to enemy aircraft, but at the same time they had a landmark for movement. This phenomenon had nothing to do with the aesthetics and decoration of cities”, - says the blogger.

Beautiful version, but hardly correct. Apparently, they began to whitewash the trunks much earlier; references to this are found, for example, in Chekhov's letter to Bilibin.

“Meanwhile, as if nothing had happened, she hides in a long, dense park, very neat: the earth is loosened, the trunks of acacias are whitewashed; only the church does not know leaving a long time ago ... "

So the tradition of whitewashing really exists, another thing is whether it is worth keeping. And here we turn to the arguments about the benefits of whitewashing for the life of trees in an urban environment. nine0003

Since urbanists can be biased, let's give the floor to summer residents who, in pursuit of the harvest, are not afraid of either work or expenses, and certainly not biased.

Whitewash against rodents. According to gardeners' websites, ordinary whitewashing will not save mice, and in order to protect trees from them, either various traps and wrapping with roofing material, or mixtures that only look like whitewashing, but in fact are a vigorous mixture of carbolic acid, are used, pepper, turpentine and laundry soap. Naturally, no one in the city will use this, and there are not so many mice in Krasnoyarsk - they do not get along very well with city rats. nine0003

But against whom whitewashing is really effective is against hares, but it is extremely difficult to imagine an invasion of eared on Mira Avenue.

Anti-insect whitewash. Here, gardening sites are unanimous, whitewashing really helps, but only if the tree is completely covered with lime from the ground to the crown. Most insects have wings and lay their eggs not only two meters from the ground, but also on the upper tiers. In addition, in the modern world there are many insecticides that are much more effective and do not change the appearance of the tree. nine0003

Anti-frost whitewash - damage to the trunk resulting from temperature changes. In spring, temperature differences between a warm day and a cold night can easily reach 14-20 degrees, the bark cannot withstand such abuse and cracks. Then insects and fungi penetrate these wounds, and the tree may die. Lime makes the dark trunk of a tree lighter, and it does not heat up as much, which prevents frost. True, this only works with branches that are at an angle of 90 degrees to the sun.

There are also alternative and more effective methods of protecting green spaces, for example, wrap something around a tree trunk.

So, in the presence of modern chemicals and materials, whitewashing wood is not necessary at all. Here, for example, is the opinion of the specialists of the company "Grintek".

- Covering the bark with a layer of paint or technical whitewash prevents gas exchange in the tissues of the phloem and wood of the tree, reduces the intensity of phloem respiration, which disrupts the movement of organic substances from the crown of the tree to its roots. This contributes to the premature death of the roots and weakening, reducing the viability of trees. In addition, when tree trunks are painted, the natural structure of the bark is disturbed, its acidity changes, its loosening and destruction occurs, which also reduces the resistance of trees. nine0011

Thus, whitewash advocates have only one argument left - aesthetic. First, it's beautiful. A white border, a green fence, a white tree trunk are the classic colors of a military camp. However, the majority of urbanists and landscape designers oppose such aesthetics, pointing out that “thanks to this unreasonable event, substances alien to nature are introduced into the urban environment, directly into the green spaces of the city, where birds and other living creatures live, where people rest, which increase and without In addition, there is a considerable pressure of pollution of the urban environment, ”as well as reminding about the cost of such events. The state is in solidarity with the specialists. nine0003

Rules for the creation, protection and maintenance of green spaces in the cities of the Russian Federation, issued by the Gosstroy of the Russian Federation, say the following:

3.1.4.19. Whitewashing tree trunks in parks, squares, boulevards and streets is prohibited. Whitewashing can be carried out (only with lime or special whitewashing compounds) in separate areas and facilities where there are increased sanitary and other special requirements (public toilets, places for collecting garbage and household waste, production with special specifics of work, etc.) nine0003

That is, whitewash trees only near public toilets, landfills and other problem areas. Under normal conditions, it is impossible to whiten.

Why whitewash tree trunks with lime © Geostart

Topic: Garden and vegetable garden

Content

Why whitewash trees

Whitewash - harm and benefit for plants

Law on Whitewashing Trees in City Squares

Interesting facts - guide trees

When and who came up with the idea to whitewash tree trunks in city parks, along roads and in gardens? Why are trees painted with white paint and what is it for?


This question came to my mind for a reason. My grandfather fell ill last autumn and forced me to buy lime and go to his dacha 90 km from home in the autumn cold to paint the trees. When I arrived at the dacha, it suddenly began to rain, and my grandfather strictly forbade whitewashing the trees during the rain, so I went back, wonderfully spending my only day off in traffic jams. nine0031 I tried to find out from my grandfather why this is so necessary, to which he replied: “For centuries they have been doing this, because it is protection!” I didn’t hear any more intelligible arguments about why tree trunks should be whitewashed.
In order to avoid such a punishment next time and see for myself whether it is important to paint the trees with white paint, I did a little research. And here's what I was able to find out.

Which trees are bleached and why?

There is such a thing as landscaping and landscaping of city squares and parks. During the April community work days, you can see workers with whitewash who renew borders, flower beds and paint the trunks of adult trees of various species white. This gives a festive look to the city, though not for long. nine0003

At summer cottages, gardeners whitewash the trunks of fruit trees. Some only in spring, and some three times a year: autumn, early spring and summer.

Unlike urban workers, many of whom do not know why trees are painted white, gardeners do this so that trunks:

  • a) do not crack from frost,
  • b) pests do not start in them.

Here are the two main points that opponents of tree whitewash disagree with. nine0003

This debate about painting trees reminded me of the debate about whether it is better to harden or warm a small child. You harden - you take care of immunity, you warm - you take care not to get sick. How many people - so many opinions.

The same applies to the health of the tree. After all, we want the best. To date, the harm of whitewashing trees has not been experimentally proven, just like the withering of a tree without whitewashing. The question of whitewashing or not whitewashing tree trunks remains open.

Benefits and harms of whitewashing trees

So, should trees be whitewashed in spring and autumn? Consider all the pros and cons.

The benefits of whitewashing a tree

  • At the end of winter, when the daytime sun starts to bake, the trunk heats up, the trees come to life and begin to sap. Frost strikes at night, and this causes the trunks to crack. White color does not allow the tree to heat up during the thaw period, which means it protects against early, untimely awakening. That is why trees are whitewashed with lime, and it is better to do this in the fall, or at the end of winter or the beginning of spring. nine0100
  • Beetles and spiders do not like lime paint and do not hide in whitewashed bark during the winter. And so the tree retains its healthy appearance.
  • Whitewashing trees keeps out hares and other rodents - however, for city parks and populated SNTs, this is a dubious argument in favor of painting trees white.

Damage when painting trees with white paint

  • Poor quality lime mortar or water-based paint can burn the trunk of a tree and damage its natural development. nine0100
  • Labor costs and finances spent from the city budget for whitewashing trees are not justified, the whitewash is quickly washed off and, according to many aesthetes, the trees acquire an unsightly appearance, all naturalness and naturalness disappear.

What the law says about painting/whitewashing green spaces in gardens

In fact, back in December 1999 whitewashing of trees was banned. The ban is expressly prescribed in the Rules for the creation, protection and maintenance of green spaces, approved by the Order of the Gosstroy of the Russian Federation dated 12/15/1999 N 153.

Clause 3.1.4.19. The rules state that whitewashing tree trunks in parks, squares, boulevards and streets is prohibited . BUT can be produced (only with lime or special compositions for whitewashing) in separate areas and facilities with increased sanitary requirements.

However, this ban was and is advisory in nature, and in most Russian cities it is still customary to whitewash trees with white paint. Although, by 2020 there will be a massive refusal to whitewash trees in large cities. For example, in Moscow, Yekaterinburg, Ulyanovsk, in the cities of the Moscow region, it has been forbidden to paint trees with white paint for several years now. nine0003

Historical facts - how did they start painting trees with white paint in cities

And a bit of history. It is said that during the war years, poles and trees along the roads were covered with lime so that cars traveling with their headlights off would not go astray. The trees were the guide.

Then, this habit remained and took root among the military. And in the Soviet years, when equalization and clarity of lines were adopted, it simply took root and became a widespread occupation.

Now it remains to convince the grandfather that nothing terrible will happen if suddenly his apple and pear trees remain unpainted with lime. Although this spring, he himself went to the dacha and whitewashed all the garden trees with his own hands, despite my arguments that this is not at all necessary.

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