Whitewash
24 August 2011
Foolproof fixes
Whitewash
It’s very common throughout Greece to find tree trunks painted with whitewash. Whitewashing your plants prevents fungal disease developing, heat injury to trunks, invasion by bark borers and insects laying eggs under the bark.
Whitewash is made with hydrated lime and can be brushed on tree trunks a couple of times a year. Timing between applications will depend on how thickly it is applied.
How to make whitewash paint
½kg hydrated lime (builder’s lime)
1½L water
1 paintbrush
1 plastic bucket
- Mix the hydrated lime and water with the paintbrush. The consistency should be thick and creamy, just like Greek-style yogurt.
- Paint tree trunks from the bottom up.
- Apply a second coat if required.
- Repeat application in 3–6 months.
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