See Purple Paint on a Tree? Turn Around in Washington

Washingtonians love the outdoors, and with hunting season around the corner, there will be thousands hitting trails searching for big game.

Different Color Spraypaints Outdoors: What They Mean

If you're in the woods this fall or winter, it's pretty common to see trees with spray paint on them.

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Normally, if you see a tree with orange spray paint on it, it means the tree is marked for removal or harvest. Blue spray paint usually indicates the boundaries of a property or utility line.

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You may even see a tree with a white circle, which means the tree houses an endangered animal or bird. All these are tags and signs people use to indicate a message.

However, you may see a tree with a purple marking on it and you will want to turn around as soon as possible!

Turn Around if You See Purple Paint on a Tree!

Purple paint on a tree is quickly becoming synonymous with "No Trespassing," in the United States, with many states enacting laws stating such. Though it is not a Washington State law yet, many are using purple paint to indicate private property.

Purple paint is a popular choice for homeowners struggling to keep signs up due to wind, rain, or even vandalism.

So, if you see purple paint on a tree, rock, or shrub while you're enjoying Washington's amazing nature reserves or state parks, turn around! Because it means you are entering private property and you are tresspassing, which could put you in jail for up to a year with a $5,000 fine.