Purple Paint on Trees in Michigan Could Be a Warning Sign

Now that the weather is finally starting to warm up in Michigan, residents can and are starting to head outside. However, if you're spending time outside and you spy some purple paint—particularly on a tree—you should probably turn around.

Michigan is home to an abundance of fun outdoor activities. And since Michiganders have been cooped up all winter long, we're getting outside as quickly as we can. Pretty soon, we're all going to be golfing, fishing, swimming, hiking, hunting and more.

What Does Purple Paint Actually Mean?

While you're out there enjoying all that the Mitten State has to offer, keep in mind that there is plenty of public land available for Michiganders to use without a problem. However, there are many more places that are off limits.

If you find that you've wandered off the beaten path and come across some purple paint or purple markings, take heed!

While it's not an official law in Michigan, purple paint seen on trees and fences could indicate private property. So that means you should turn around at once, unless you want to risk a trespassing charge.

States That Have Purple Paint Laws

Michigan doesn't have a 'purple paint law' on the books, but 22 other states do:

• Alabama
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Florida
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Missouri
• New Hampshire
• North Carolina
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Virginia
• West Virginia

Again, Michigan doesn't have a law on the books, so even if you see purple paint, it's not enforceable by law. But it may be something you'll want to be aware of. People may still use it to indicate their private property, as it's considered "common knowledge".

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