Spray painted apple tree? Salvagable?

So, my apple tree that was installed a year ago just got covered in purple spray paint. 70% covered. Is there any saving this tree, what steps do I need to take. Or will it be fine and I'm overreacting?

Tree is 6'-7' tall, 1" diameter.

Dare we ask how?

Kids being kids

Are the buds covered?

I'd say there's hope. Ah youth.

I'll bet it'll be just fine. Most of it should weather away in pretty short time. I've heard of people painting trees with latex paint to keep bugs off of them so... Aside from being a bit unsightly for a few months, I think you're good to go.

I don't suppose you have a picture of this tree?

I've heard of people painting trees with latex paint to keep bugs off of them so...

Besides keeping the bugs off, the white paint also helps keep the tree from breaking dormancy too soon in the spring.

The paint shouldn't be too big of a problem. A young tree should grow enough that it breaks the paint, which should then flake off.

I've heard of 'purple plum' trees, but never purple apple trees.

Old timers used to flush cut branches, then use 'wound paint' to cover. It's generally not recommended anymore. Both flush cuts and painting.
I still see painted trees after pruning around. Usually in an older-person's front yard.

I've actually bought trees from the nursery that had a little spray paint on the trunk. Probably from marking during digging or trucking.

Should be fine, like others have mentioned.

There's a way to prevent future infractions. Cut a willow whip no larger than your thumb (rule of thumb) and show the kids one of it's uses.

> ...show the kids...

tsk, tsk

Dream on, Dale. <g> These are the days of positive motivation dynamics (or something like that) - one might get arrested just for having such thoughts about the nasty little monsters! To bad - save them a world of hurt later. Sounds like they're maybe going through the usual male a**h*** years - an obligatory part of the growth cycle where young males, to prove their superness and invulnerability, depart the human race for a time.


Rufus

Rufus Laggren wrote:> ...show the kids...

tsk, tsk

Dream on, Dale. <g> These are the days of positive motivation dynamics (or something like that) - one might get arrested just for having such thoughts about the nasty little monsters! To bad - save them a world of hurt later. Sounds like they're maybe going through the usual male a**h*** years - an obligatory part of the growth cycle where young males, to prove their superness and invulnerability, depart the human race for a time.


Rufus

I can see the headline now: "Man beats neighbor boy with dead purple tree. Claims permaculture told him to do it" LOL