Dear Readers >> This weekend, walking along a Longmont canal, I happened upon several trees with painted trunks. It took my mind back to this column from 2023.

Dear Johnnie >> What is the purpose of the tan coating applied to the bottom of tree trunks at Left Hand Park? Bug, beaver or deer deterrence? Something else? — Rachel

Dear Rachel >> What magical woods is this, that trees cast shadows in different directions?

OK. On to your question.

You have the right idea about this coating. It’s latex-based paint that’s mixed with sand, which has been proven to keep beavers from gnawing on wood.

“Longmont Open Space facilitates this work typically with volunteers,” Longmont Utilities & Public Works Spokesman Scott Hansen said regarding the painting of these trees. “Native trees (cottonwood and peachleaf willow) to the riparian corridors are selected for preservation.”

I noted to Hansen that some of the trees in your photo were not painted. Why is that?

“The reason some are occasionally missed is because the work is performed by volunteers, and also because some common trees such as crack willows are left for beavers to chew on,” Hansen said in an email reply.

Crack willows are not native trees.

“In the past five years or so, beavers have made a comeback to Longmont and have a presence on Lefthand Creek near the confluence with the St. Vrain,” Hansen said. “Public Works staff has been working to install devices that allow the beavers to live in the riparian corridors without causing flooding of underpasses and damage to other city assets.”

— Send questions to johnnie@times-call.com.