Making Traditional Whitewash for Tree Trunks (And the Easier Alternative)

Garden centers sell two limes: garden lime (calcium carbonate) and hydrated lime (calcium hydroxide). Whitewash requires hydrated lime. Mix 5 lbs hydrated lime with 6 pints lukewarm water; separately dissolve 1 lb salt in 1 pint warm water. Let both sit a day, stirring occasionally. Combine, add pigment if desired, and store tightly sealed.

Or skip the chemistry and brush on white latex paint—it provides the same sunscald protection with far less effort.