Fallen Oak tree branch - Ask Extension
Branch from backyard White Oak tree fell last week, has purplish slimy looking growths.Can it be identified, is it a serious concern? Both the oaks in...
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Fallen Oak tree branch #864527
Asked April 14, 2024, 8:57 PM EDT
Branch from backyard White Oak tree fell last week, has purplish slimy looking growths.Can it be identified, is it a serious concern? Both the oaks in back have had brown spot and aphids the pas 2-3 years.
Thank you much. SK.
Washtenaw County Michigan
Expert Response
The slime is a sap leak that is likely coming from a canker, which is a wound caused by a bacteria or fungus.
The brown spots could be any number of diseases. Keep an eye on the tree this season. If the upper canopy fails to leaf out, that is a sign of greater concern. The timing of the brown spots can also be a clue as to the type of disease. See here for several common oak diseases: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/why-oak-trees-are-declining-or-dying/
Oaks and other trees can be affected by various fungi, annually, and impact leaf appearance or event cause leaves to fall prematurely. however, not every disease will weaken the tree to the point of death. If the tree is younger, you may wish to fertilize this Spring or Fall. Feel free to reply with photos of the brown spots or tree canopy once it has leafed out.
The brown spots could be any number of diseases. Keep an eye on the tree this season. If the upper canopy fails to leaf out, that is a sign of greater concern. The timing of the brown spots can also be a clue as to the type of disease. See here for several common oak diseases: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/why-oak-trees-are-declining-or-dying/
Oaks and other trees can be affected by various fungi, annually, and impact leaf appearance or event cause leaves to fall prematurely. however, not every disease will weaken the tree to the point of death. If the tree is younger, you may wish to fertilize this Spring or Fall. Feel free to reply with photos of the brown spots or tree canopy once it has leafed out.
