North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

["Tim Inman" <Tim@historicinteriors.com>]

Many nurseries, and many books, recommend painting the trunk white to hold the tree in dormancy a little longer.  It also helps protect from 'winter warming' of the trunk from direct sunshine.

 

I've done this for years.  I use 'handy' white-ish latex paint (on hand and/or cheap).  I dilute it about 50/50.  I also add a generous glug of Deer Guard.  This is an extremely bitter product which deters mice and rabbits, etc. from munching on the bark.  It works great!

 

FYI

 

Tim Inman

Zone 4-5

Randolph, Iowa