White Bark Trees for Sale - Buying & Growing Guide

Leaves and flowers often account for much of a tree’s visual appeal. But in some cases, a tree’s bark can be the most outstanding ornamental quality. Those who are familiar with white bark trees know these species hold some of the most striking trunks and branches of any plant.

Why Do Some Trees Have White Bark?

by John Haryasz | Horticulture Writer and Landscape Designer – last update on December 2, 2021

Regardless of how well you know trees, one fact is certain the vast majority of tree species have brown or grey bark. That reality allows whitebark trees to provide a stark contrast in the landscape. It remains puzzling to consider why some trees have whitebark rather than a more typical color. One explanation hints that whitebark could be an adaptation that helps a tree avoid overheating. While dark colors quickly absorb light from the sun, lighter colors, like white, will reflect the sun’s rays. This phenomenon makes it less likely that a whitebark tree will experience damage from sun exposure.

Benefits and Drawbacks of White Bark Trees

The reason whitebark trees are popular is they appear unique compared to the dull barks of other trees. Whitebark tends to stand out in the landscape and, when well planted, a set of whitebark trees can have an impressive effect in nearly any garden.
While the aesthetic benefits of whitebark trees are hard to deny, there are some slight drawbacks. The most notable of these downsides is that many whitebark trees have exfoliating bark. That kind of bark often peels in strips as the tree grows, which can create a mess. Additionally, some popular whitebark trees prove to be short-lived and weak wooded, while others are invasive in some regions.
Still, the benefits of whitebark trees outweigh their cons. As long as you understand which species can grow healthily in your region, planting a few whitebark trees remains a fantastic way to add a bold white accent to your property.

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