Why did people use to paint tree trunks white?

The paint used is to keep ants out of the trees. Ants and other insects can nest in the trees and destroy the tree trunks.

My grandpa used to put a pesticide or herbicide sealant that was white on the trees base and trunk to prevent wood boring insects from burrowing into the trunk. This was especially done on the fruit trees and willows.

I'm not sure if some people thought it looked nice (I think it look silly to paint a tree) but I noticed that the neighbor started doing it.....with regular house trim paint. I guess he didn't know what the method was originally used for.

I know there is also white tree wraps that are used, sort of a cloth type material, that is wrapped around the trees trunk to prevent deer from eating the bark off the tree during winter months. My mom did this to several of her trees.

I'm from the east coast originally, Lots of trees on peoples properties on rural roads with bad curves. They paint bottom of trunk white so when you are going around a turn you will see the tree much better especially at night!

cause it looks good with the yard flamingos and non running camaro in the front yard. No not really for bugs and stuff, but why just paint half the tree? Why not call the bug man to spray the casa and yard?

I think it was considered pretty. Also, there is less chance of a driver running into them at night.

i heard it had something to do with keeping bugs off but I'm not sure

It was to deter bugs...(I think)

so they stick out