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The Little-Known Meaning Behind Orange Painted Trees
By CLAIRE DANGALAN
Orange markings on a tree have a meaning, such as a single horizontal orange line or dot (sometimes at the base) signals that it is to be cut or is slated for harvest.
An orange marking can also warn people to leave the tree alone, while two horizontal orange lines can signify the border of a harvest area.
These paint markings and the color used serve as crucial communication tools for foresters, loggers, and land managers and owners, although their meaning can vary per state.
In urban settings, tree markings also serve many purposes. They may use color-coded dots, bands, or lines to indicate trees are valuable, damaged, or needing maintenance.
Landowners, logging companies, and agencies like the U.S. Forest Service all play a role in sustainable forestry, and the markings provide a means of communication.