I've applied a thin white latex paint band (4-6" wide) to quite a few of my tree trunks (trees ranging in age from newly-planted to many years), to create a smoother surface on which I could apply Tanglefoot (that outrageously sticky stuff that traps crawling insects). It worked well for that. The fun side benefit was that it gave me a highly visible way to gauge the trees' growth in subsequent seasons. As the trunks expanded, the paint stretched and split. The faster-growing trees had wider splits in the paint. Fun to watch.
Each of my deer-vulnerable trees now have individual fences, but I wonder if painting the trunks would discourage deer from winter bark-stripping (have had that happen).
Ladybug, Gaston? Right on! I agree with all your descriptions... In fact, when I get around to picking up some more cheep interior latex-based house paint, and the snow melts(!), it's time to give my trees a fresh coat. The (perverse) enjoyment I get with that same Tanglefoot treatment is watching the aphid juice swollen ants on the top side, compared to the 'empty ants' below ... I'm only hoping my new coat of paint adheres to those old bands of Tanglefoot?
Watch out with the deer fence posts though, if those darn ants have one connection to any part of your tree, even high grass, they'll find it - and use it! A biological battle I enjoy is watching the Yellow-jackets 'remove' those plump ants as the season progresses. It's another reason I'll leave alone any Yellow-jacket (ground) nest I find outside of the yard - they're very beneficial in that respect.
Gaston though? - Do you get with the 'old Luelling Memorial Chapter' that still meets (as a Home Orchard Interest Group) in McMinnville? In fact, here's their latest: Sunday, March 19, 2006, 2:00 PM - Meeting Location: Senior Center, 2250 NE McDaniel Lane, McMinnville, OR 97128. "Members will discuss things that need to be done to prepare our orchards and yards for spring and summer." "Do you have extra plants that don't quite fit your area? Bring your extra potted plants to trade with other members" {Please bring your favorite snack or dessert to share} Can't say I'll be there, but their last meeting was fun, and tasty!
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