If You Spot a Painted Purple Fence, This Is What It Means

At first glance, it might seem odd—but painting fence posts or trees purple is actually a legal method of marking private property in several U.S. states. Rather than posting numerous “No Trespassing” signs, landowners can use purple paint to send a clear, lasting message: stay out. This approach is especially popular in rural or wooded areas where signs can be damaged, fall down, or simply go unnoticed.

But this isn’t just random paint—it has to follow legal guidelines to be valid. The markings must be vertical lines (not splotches or side swipes), at least one inch wide and eight inches long. These stripes are typically applied between three and five feet off the ground, making them easy to spot without being obscured by tall grass or undergrowth.