The Hidden Meaning Behind Purple Fence Posts and the Unexpected Message They Give
Bird resting on a purple fence post.
Have you ever driven by a property just to see a fence post or tree sporting a stripe of purple paint? If so, it has probably left you scratching your head as to what that could possibly mean. It's not simply to give a fence post a little more flair or style—there is actually a significant meaning to that purple stripe, and it's not so very welcoming.
In fact, it's best to turn around and go back to where you came from. We'll explain the message that purple fence posts give and what states you can expect to see them in—especially bordering a property.
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What Do Purple Fence Posts Mean?
Several states have adopted a new way to keep people off their private property. Instead of hanging metal or plastic "No Trespassing" signs, they can now simply paint a purple stripe on a post or a tree. Since signs deteriorate over time and make them hard to read, it makes sense to make the message easier to identify. Plus, putting a nail or screw into a tree could cause damage that is unhealthy for the tree.
Painting a fence post purple sends a clear message to keep out of a property without relying on the actual words. Unlike a sign that can become stolen or unreadable over time, the purple paint lasts much longer, keeping the message strong.
That being said, it's important that people know what purple fence posts mean in order to communicate the intended warning successfully.
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Why Is the Color Purple Used?
Purple is a color that not only stands out in nature, and since it is such an unexpected color, it catches people's attention. However, as we'll share below, there are a couple of other colors that are used for the same purpose.
How To Use Purple Paint on a Fence Post
Although purple is a very noticeable color, it does need to be painted on a fence post in the most visible way. It is recommended to paint the stripe so that it is three to five feet off the ground. Too low and the stripe may go unnoticed. The stripe should also be large enough to be seen. Usually, one inch wide by eight inches long is sufficient. You will also want a painted post at least about every hundred feet to mark off the boundary.
You can use any type of paint on a fence post but if you are painting a tree, the paint should not be oil-based (as this could damage the tree). Most likely, you will also find specialty spray paint just for the purpose of marking fence posts and trees.
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What States Have Purple Paint Laws?
The first state to adopt the "purple paint law" was Arkansas in 1989 and since then, almost half of the states have followed suit. Here are the states you can expect to see these splashes of purple.
Alabama
Arizona
Arkansas
Florida
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Lousiana
Maine
Maryland
Missouri
Montana
New Hampshire
North Carolina
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
West Virginia
What Other Colored Paint Can Send the Same Message?
Although there are many states with purple paint laws, they are not all required to use only purple. Other colors are sometimes used instead of purple to send the same message. Both Idaho and Montana accept the use of orange paint instead of purple and Maryland uses blue paint. It's a good idea to check with your state for the specifics before marking your own fence posts.
If you are traveling to another state and see painted fence posts of any kind, it's likely to mean "no trespassing." You should become familiar with the laws of the state you are visiting so that you know what to look for and don't end up with a fine.
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