Large Oak Tree Oozing something Sticky and Black - Ask Extension
We have a very large oak tree in our front yard, I believe that this tree is 60+ feet tall. Recently I have noted a vertical line which runs down the ...
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Large Oak Tree Oozing something Sticky and Black #130859
Asked May 30, 2013, 1:15 PM EDT
We have a very large oak tree in our front yard, I believe that this tree is 60+ feet tall. Recently I have noted a vertical line which runs down the length of the trunk. The tree appears to be oozing something that is sticky and black. Should this tree fall it would severely damage my home. Any thoughts or suggestions?
Thank you,
Gale
Wicomico County Maryland
Expert Response
I think that your tree may have Bacterial Wetwood or Slime
Flux which is caused by bacteria that entered the tree either through the roots
and the water the roots take up or through an old wound or injury. As the bacteria builds up in the tree, it
oozes out and leaves a black wet mark on the wood and a vertical line that can
look like a crack. Here is an excellent fact
sheet on Bacterial Wet Wood that explains what the problem is, and the fact
that the tree will survive despite it unless it moves into another part of the
tree which will cause the leaves to die off.
http://extension.psu.edu/pests/plant-diseases/all-fact-sheets/wetwood-or-slime-flux
If the tree does start to lose a lot of leaves and branches,
then it is time to re-evaluate and call in an arborist. My ‘rule of thumb’ is when at least 1/3 of
the tree is dead, call a licensed and insured arborist to safely remove the
tree. You always want to hire a licensed and
insured arborist so they will have the proper training and safety
practice.