Are you experiencing water flowing from a tree trunk? Leaking water from your tree is a symptom of an illness called bacterial wetwood, also known as slime flux. The professionals at Massillon’s tree service company offer insight into why this is happening and what you need to know.
Why Is Water Oozing from My Tree?
Bacterial wetwood is a disease that seeps into your tree, creates gas, and forces a water-like slime out through the wounds in the tree’s bark. Some other symptoms of this disease are the following:
- Wilting
- Leaf yellowing
- Branch dieback
- Bark decay
If you experience any of the above symptoms, the stressed tree requires professional help. However, if the tree remains otherwise healthy, you can limit the other health issues and keep the tree alive for years to come.
About the Disease
Slime flux is an unfortunately common disease among trees, and the slime from your trunk can damage or kill nearby plants. Keep reading to learn more about this problem.
Which Tree Species Get Slime Flux?
Any tree species can get bacterial wetwood, but you find it most commonly in the following types:
- Elm
- Birch
- Poplar
- Maple
- Oak
Keep an eye on the trees on your property, and prevent any damage to the tree’s bark and branches when you notice water flowing from a tree trunk. Proper maintenance will prevent a rotten tree from harming the other plants on your property.
Is It Harmful?
In severe cases, your tree will show other disease symptoms and require immediate help. However, the disease can inhibit fungal infections, and your tree may live comfortably with the disease. Proper maintenance and regular inspections can help you stop the disease and prevent the movement of water.
How Did My Tree Get Sick?
The bacteria enters the tree through wounds, broken branches, or weakened bark. Often, the tree has the disease for years before a property owner notices the symptoms. The best way to prevent this is to limit your tree’s exposure to lawnmowers or weed whackers and reduce potential wounds.
How Do I Heal the Tree?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for bacterial wetwood. However, when cared for properly, your tree may live a long and healthy life with the disease. Keep the tree healthy through proper pruning, fertilizing, and watering schedules.
Never create wounds on your tree, and prevent heavy machinery or sharp objects from damaging it. Check the roots, and request help if you have compacted soil. Compacted soil and other stressors worsen your tree’s state of health.
Contact Our Team for Assistance
How much water does a tree need? Contact our team to answer all your tree care questions and ensure your trees receive the care they need to thrive. We provide professional care with state-of-the-art equipment to help your trees live long, healthy lives.
If you experience water flowing from a tree trunk, contact, contact Petrarca Landcare at (330) 933-0562 and request an estimate in Massillon, OH, today!