If you live in southern Arizona's citrus-growing belt, you've probably seen oranges and other trees with stark white trunks. There's a good reason for painting the exposed bark of citrus. It is particularly sensitive to sunlight, and the paint reflects the ultraviolet rays that can cause sunburn and cracking. Unfortunately, white trunks stick out like sore thumbs in the landscape.

Now there's an alternative. Go Natural paint was developed by Chuck Robbins, a former citrus-grower in Mesa, Arizona. Formulated to match the natural color of citrus bark, the paint provides the same ultraviolet protection as white latex but lasts longer. You can use it to coat other thin-barked fruit trees such as peaches, and it will also protect the bark of young landscape trees. Like any latex paint, you can apply it with a brush, roller, or sprayer, and it cleans up in water.

Go Natural paint is sold in 1-quart, 1-gallon, and 5-gallon containers at many nurseries and garden centers in Arizona. Call (480) 396-0116 for local retailers.