Split weeping cherry bark, sap - Ask Extension
Hi - we just noticed oozing amber colored sap from a widening crack near the base of our weeping cherry. Frost cracks aren't that unusual but this w...
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Split weeping cherry bark, sap #365461
Asked September 24, 2016, 5:51 PM EDT
Hi - we just noticed oozing amber colored sap from a widening crack near the base of our weeping cherry. Frost cracks aren't that unusual but this was a lot of sap! The tree is about 14 years old, 25 feet tall, trunk about a foot in diameter. Surronded by stone mulch. No major health issues although we removed a couple of dead branches this year.
Windham County Connecticut
Expert Response
Hello,
It appears the crack has created an opening in the bark. Once the bark is breached, insects and disease can attack much more easily. I cannot tell you want is happening inside the tree and what is doing the damage to make the tree exude the gummy sap. The best way to treat the tree is to reduce stress. Rocks are not the best mulch. They heat up from the sun, making the root hot, and possibly increasing evaporation. Provide one inch of water once a week, applied all at one time. Prune as you have been, to remove dead or dying branches. Monitor for insects or any change in the condition of the sap as this could be a clue to a disease's identity. Do not fertilize now as the tree may push out new growth which will not harden off before winter.
Regards,
Carol Quish
It appears the crack has created an opening in the bark. Once the bark is breached, insects and disease can attack much more easily. I cannot tell you want is happening inside the tree and what is doing the damage to make the tree exude the gummy sap. The best way to treat the tree is to reduce stress. Rocks are not the best mulch. They heat up from the sun, making the root hot, and possibly increasing evaporation. Provide one inch of water once a week, applied all at one time. Prune as you have been, to remove dead or dying branches. Monitor for insects or any change in the condition of the sap as this could be a clue to a disease's identity. Do not fertilize now as the tree may push out new growth which will not harden off before winter.
Regards,
Carol Quish
