Some horticulturists caution against white tree trunk paint on trees less than 2 years old. Other extension offices and tree care professionals encourage whitewashing the trunks of younger trees.

To avoid this, the trunks of thin-barked trees can be protected by wrapping them with white tree wrap or by simply painting them white with a water-based paint.

Sales of white trunks soared, helping Speedo achieve record profits. The brand was started by Alecander McRae, a Scotsman who emigrated to Australia in 1910.

Living; The White Trunks of the Sycamore Stand Out Along the Riverbank (Harvey Cotten) Published: ; Mar. 21, 2013, 1:18 p.m.