![]() ![]() This practice is not recommended because it does not speed up the natural healing process. Inserting a pipe only allows the sap to drip on the ground rather than run down the trunk. It has been a common practice with slime flux to drill a hole in the trunk and insert a pipe, which does not cure the problem. Treatment is not advised because more damage can be done to the tree in attempting to cure slime flux than the slime flux will do alone. An insignificant nick in the trunk can lead to problems far down the road in terms of overall tree health. In other words keep lawn mowers and weed eaters away from tree trunks. There is no curative or preventive measures for slime flux except to maintain trees in a general good state of vigor and minimize wounds and injuries. Last years drought stress will likely cause a great increase in this problem this year and possibly next year. This slime flux may be triggered by heat, drought and other stress. If as you described the ooze is from the main trunk the sap may continue to ooze for months, with no apparent damage to the tree. Grass may be killed where the flux runs down the trunk onto the grass. If the fluxing continues for months on a branch rather than the main trunk, leaves on affected branches may be stunted and chlorotic. Now I will address your original question about the health of your tree. Did you notice if the bees and insects could fly in a straight line after feeding on the ooze? As you mentioned, various types of insects are attracted to the slime flux. Many different microorganisms grow in the flux producing a foul or alcoholic smell. As fluxing continues, large areas of the bark become soaked. The flux is colorless to tan at first but darkens upon exposure to the air. This pressure forces sap from the trunk through cracks in the trunk. ![]() Carbon dioxide gas is produced during fermentation by bacteria. The infected wood is frequently discolored or appears water soaked hence the name “wet wood”. Slime flux is very common in large, mature, landscape oaks, tulip poplar and elms. It occurs in apple, birch, elm, hemlock, maple, mulberry, oak, poplar, willow and many other trees. ![]() I am not sure who came up with a great name like “slime flux” but you have to admit it has a ring to it. What is it and will it harm my tree?Īnswer: What you are describing is a fairly common occurrence on trees and it is called “wet wood” or, my favorite, “slime flux”. Insects and bees are constantly hovering around the ooze. It works like a natural magnet to hold water near the tree's root zone and keep the root zone hydrated during periods of drought stress.Question: My oak tree is “weeping” awful smelling ooze down the trunk on one side. This is a unique and advanced product specifically designed to assist a tree in dealing with drought stress. The objective of a deep root watering is to ensure that the water penetrates deeply into the soil, to a depth of at least 24 to 36 inches so that the entire root zone is hydrated.įor severe drought problems you may also want to consider spraying the soil around the tree's root zone with Hydretain Root Zone Moisture Manager. It is important to give the tree a deep root watering at least twice a week, and more frequently during periods of extreme drought. These kits contain appropriate fertilizer, mycorrhizal fungi and biostimulant, promoting root development and long-term vitality. To improve the overall health of the tree, apply the TreeHelp Annual Care Kit. It is very important to focus on maintaining the tree's overall health, so that it does not become susceptible to other disease or insect attacks. Often the problem goes away after a few years as the tree's vascular system becomes stronger. There is no specific treatment for slime flux, but it is very important to properly fertilize and water the tree, as it is under immense stress from the infection. This pressure leads to discharge oozing through cracks and openings in the tree's bark. Basically it is caused by increased pressure on the tree's vascular system due to higher levels of bacterial fermentation in the tree's heartwood. Slime Flux can be caused by several different bacterial infections in the tree's vascular system. Often insects will be attracted to the sap, but they are the symptoms, not the cause of the slim flux. The tree may also show signs of wilting and leaf scorch. The sap drips down the bark and causes a gray-white streaking on the trunk and branches. The sap is more prevalent during the spring and early summer when the tree is growing more rapidly. The main symptom of slime flux (often called wet wood) is the oozing of sour-smelling sap from the tree's trunk, cracks and branch crotches. ![]()
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