Lime washing fruit trees

Preparing trees

Lime is sold under the name of “agricultural quicklime” or “whitewash“, in powder form to dilute in water or ready-to-use in a bucket, and even as a spray if you only have a few trees to whitewash.

Caution, quicklime is highly corrosive and can cause burns. It is essential to work outdoors in a well-ventilated area, wearing gloves, protective goggles, long clothing and boots.

If using powdered lime, follow the quantities indicated on the packet. The order is important: first pour water into a metal bucket, then add the lime. The mixture will bubble and release intense heat. Cover the bucket with a metal lid or a plank and leave to rest for several hours, ideally overnight. The next day, stir with a wooden stick and add a little water if the mixture is too thick. For better adhesion of the lime to the tree, you can add a glass of liquid black soap per 5 L of lime wash.

Application: when and how?

Lime is applied at the end of winter, around February, and should be renewed every year or every two years.

To lime your fruit trees:

• choose a day without rain or wind, preferably followed by several dry days, to help the lime adhere to the trunk,
• start by cleaning the trunk with a stiff brush to remove any moss, lichen or dead bark,
• apply the lime with a wide brush, working from the bottom upwards, up to the base of the main branches,
• if a second coat is needed, apply it immediately without waiting for the first coat to dry.

Photo: Pauk