Orange/Brown Liquid from Red Sunset Maple - Ask Extension
One of our red sunset maples (approx 15 years old), has just developed an orange/brown liquid seeping through areas of trunk, and another area that lo...
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Orange/Brown Liquid from Red Sunset Maple #632843
Asked May 08, 2020, 7:29 AM EDT
One of our red sunset maples (approx 15 years old), has just developed an orange/brown liquid seeping through areas of trunk, and another area that looks "scorched" on the the trunk with no seepage. Attached pix for your reference. Hoping you could advise on exactly what it is, and if anything can be done to save the tree.
Thank you
MS
Thank you
MS
Lehigh County Pennsylvania
Expert Response
It appears your tree is infected with Bacterial Wetwood or Slime Flux. It occurs in mature trees and the liquid is often foul-smelling. Even though the symptoms are unsightly, little damage is done to the tree as long as it is stress-free. The cause is from bacteria in the soil or water that gets into the tree, sometimes via a wound.
Below are 2 websites that contain information about the bacteria and suggestions on helping the tree thrive.
Below are 2 websites that contain information about the bacteria and suggestions on helping the tree thrive.
extension.psu.edu>bacterial wetwood
www.missouribotanicalgarden.org Bacterial Wetwood
Thank you for contacting us.
www.missouribotanicalgarden.org Bacterial Wetwood
Thank you for contacting us.
