Bleeding Canker on Maple Tree - Ask Extension
I have a maple tree that's been in the ground about 5 years. About 21/2 years ago it started oozing a brown substance from the trunk. It started at t...
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Bleeding Canker on Maple Tree #541631
Asked January 20, 2019, 11:51 PM EST
I have a maple tree that's been in the ground about 5 years. About 21/2 years ago it started oozing a brown substance from the trunk. It started at the bottom ground level and it is now three quarters up the tree. (the trunk is split I assume from the oozing). I noticed the last year or so it doesn't produce the leaves that it normal did. I did some research on line and believe it is a bleeding canker and would eventually die. I am about to have it taken out before it gets to much bigger. My question is can I plant another tree in the same spot? Do I need to treat the soil with something before I plant and should I stay away from planting different type maple tree there? If I can't plant a maple because the the canker infecting another maple, what do you suggest I plant so this doesn't happen again? (I have a small backyard so I can't plant any thing that will get to big) I have spoken to nursery people in my area but they don't seem to be able to direct me in the right direction or answer my questions. I sincerely hope you can help. Thank you
Thank you
MJ Rose
Josephine County Oregon
Expert Response
Thank you for your question, MJ. What you are describing soes not sound like a canker, but, without a closeup photo, as well as one of the entire tree, it is impossible to diagnose. The ‘ooze’ you see is the sap that is normally hidden/contained by the bark. This is often the plant’s reaction to weather conditions (http://cru.cahe.wsu.edu/CEPublications/FS199E/FS199E.pdf).
Once there is a bark wound, the tree becomes vulnerable to airborne diseases and insect infestations. You would only need to be concerned about the species you replace it with IF there was a pathogen in the soil (usually a fungus) that infects the tree. So, before you have the maple removed, getting an accurate diagnosis is key.
I suggest you either reply here with some photos, or take them into your county Extension office (https://extension.oregonstate.edu/josephine) for analysis. I hope this is helpful.
Could what the tree has called Phytophthora?
Could what the tree has called Phytophthora?
Your tree could have a variety of diseases, as I indicated earlier. But the evidence of this pathogen is not apparent (roots), and you would need a soil sample test to confirm. Here is an article on Phytopthera in maples: https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/maple-acer-spp-phytophthora-root-rot
