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cause of "tree bleed"? #778356

Asked November 25, 2021, 2:07 PM EST

The orange coloration on the bark is from where a limb used to be. Is this a disease that I need to treat? It's winter now, but I see no evidence of insects at the site or trails under the bark. Also, what kind of tree is this? Narrow leaf cottonwood, maybe? It was growing along a ditch that is now piped and was there long before we bought the property. Also, I peeled off the chunk of loose, dead bark on another small dead limb and found a larva on the inside of the bark. Is this just an opportunistic larva or could it be a disease causing bug? Any idea what it is? Thanks

Delta County Colorado

Expert Response

The larvae is a pupae of a moth, probably a sphinx moth.  They do eat some leaves but would not damage the tree.  A natural relationship there and there are natural predators of the moth.

The oozing is more of a concern.  This can be from disease or insect. Since it looks like it has been oozing for awhile, I think this is bacterial wetwood.  It is a bacterial issue in the tree that causes pressure issues, thus the oozing.  All we can do is take proper care of the tree.  It can live with this disease for years.  https://extension.colostate.edu/docs/pubs/garden/02910.pdf

Sincerely,

Susan C, Area Horticulture and Natural Resource Agent

An Ask Extension Expert Replied November 30, 2021, 3:17 PM EST
Thanks!

Marilyn Stone

 




From: askextension=<personal data hidden> <askextension=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Tuesday, November 30, 2021 12:17 PM
To: marilyn.stone <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: cause of "tree bleed"? (#0048287)
 
The Question Asker Replied December 06, 2021, 10:17 AM EST

You are welcome.  Have a great winter. Susan

For future, our master gardeners meet in the "growing" months on Wednesdays in the Delta office and can help with questions.  525 Dodge St, Delta.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied December 08, 2021, 5:00 PM EST

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