Tree Painting and Fratenity colors?

[Senusret I]

Hi there.....it's a tradition. I don't know where it comes from. I am providing some pictures which will show various examples:

At the very top, middle is the Sigma Gamma Rho tree at Howard; to the far right is the Gamma Sigma Sigma tree, which I didn't even notice at first. (Those are Deltas in the foreground)





Zeta Phi Beta tree


Alpha Kappa Alpha tree:

[DSTRen13]

A lot of campuses have fraternity and sorority trees. I don't really know the origins, either, but it's not uncommon. Judging by what I've seen, the paint isn't going to harm your campus' trees, if that's what you're worried about.