Slime flux illness isn’t any trigger for concern

There’s a substance oozing from the trunk of my elm tree. What is that this and what ought to I do to unravel this downside?

— Jasmine Suarez, Skokie

Your tree seems to have slime flux, which is a quite common bacterial illness that may happen in lots of sorts of timber, however is commonest on elm in Illinois. It may also be discovered on timber similar to oak, maple, redbud, sycamore, cottonwood and poplar.

Slime flux, additionally known as wetwood, is often not a severe illness. Nonetheless, a tree with a persistent case of wetwood could decline basically vigor. The bacterium usually enters the tree by a wound, the place it ferments and creates inner stress.

Slime flux initially seems as a darkish brown to black water-soaked space within the wooden. Moisture containing the micro organism will then movement from cracks, wounds or different weak areas of the tree’s trunk. The liquid is colorless or pale, whereas the within of the tree darkens when uncovered to the air. When the liquid dries, it leaves a pale gray-to-white crust on the bark. A foul scent can sometimes develop on account of secondary rotting organisms. Decay fungi don’t prosper within the water-soaked wooden on the trunk.

There is no such thing as a treatment for slime flux, and in most wholesome timber, this illness isn’t thought of to be a life-threatening difficulty for them. The timber ought to naturally compartmentalize an harm or diseased space with none intervention in your half.

Once in a while, a department could die again if the liquid is transported by the tree’s vascular system. Prune the department off if this occurs and sterilize your pruning instruments in between cuts to keep away from spreading the illness. Present supplemental water to your tree throughout dry intervals and fertilize within the spring or fall to assist scale back stress and enhance the tree’s vigor. There may be not a lot it’s worthwhile to do on your tree.

For extra plant recommendation, contact the Plant Info Service on the Chicago Botanic Backyard at [email protected]. Tim Johnson is senior director of horticulture on the Chicago Botanic Backyard.