and Boundary Line Painting

MAY

2021

Posting Paint

for Arkansas Forest Landowners

There are several types of paint marks seen on trees in Arkansas. Two of the most commonly used

markers by private landowners are “posted” paint and boundary line paint. Understanding the

difference between these two timber paint marks can help woodland owners identify them.

Boundary Lines

Boundary line painting is often used to indicate property boundaries.

Typically, boundary line paint is painted in relation to the actual

property boundary; therefore, the painted section of a tree could be

on any face of the tree. The paint mark is customarily placed closest

to the actual boundary line. Landowners may choose their own

easily visible color for painting boundary lines, except for purple.

Typical colors for boundary lines include blue, red, orange, and

yellow. Landowners acquiring a new survey of their land may

inquire with their surveyor about painting their boundary lines as

part of the survey. It is suggested that paint is re-applied to trees

every 5-7 years for established boundary lines.

Posted Lines

In 1989, Arkansas was the first state to enact legislation allowing landowners to mark trees with paint to indicate

no trespassing, commonly referred to as “posted or posting.” According to Arkansas statute A.C.A §18-11-

403(a)(2), “it shall be unlawful for any person to enter upon any real property posted under the provisions of

this subchapter without the written consent of the owner or lessee of the real property.” By applying posting

paint or signage to your forestland, you tell others that it is unlawful for them to enter your property without

written consent from the owner or lessee.

There are two ways to post forestland in Arkansas. A

woodland owner can use either signs or a specified color of

paint applied according to law to demonstrate their land is

posted. All signage should face the outside boundaries of the

property. Likewise, all paint marks must face the exterior of

the property. Please refer to A.C.A. §18-11-403 through §18-

11-406 for complete definitions and law before posting your

property. This factsheet provides summary information and

does not contain all relevant statutes.

Using signs: Signs should state either the words “POSTED” or

“NO TRESPASSING” in letters at least 4” tall. Signs should be

readily visible and placed no more than 100’ apart AND at all

roads/entry points.

Boundary Maintenance

Often overlooked, boundary line

maintenance is one of the most important

aspects of land ownership. Well-marked

boundaries can protect you (and your

neighbors) from timber theft and help

ensure your assets are protected.

www.arkforests.org

Sources: Rebecca Montgomery, Registered Forester

Using Paint: As an alternative to signs, landowners or

lessees may use paint on trees to indicate posted

property. Painted patches at least 8” in length,

between 3’-5’ above ground level and spaced no

more than 100’ apart AND at all roads/entry points

can be used to indicate a posted property. All paint

marks must be made on the exterior face of the tree

(facing outward from the property). The ONLY

acceptable color of paint to be used is a specific

purple formulated to standards set forth by statute.

Paint formulations for exact color can be found at

www.agriculture.arkansas.gov/forestry/landowner-

assistance/posting-of-real-property/

According to the statute, it is unlawful to apply the

prescribed posted paint color on any tree or post for any purpose other than posting real property.