Hello, 

Recently noticed that this very much loved tree in my backyard has this puddle at the base of its trunk that hasn’t gone away. I think it’s been there for a month perhaps more. It also has this black section of bark, but that has been there for years. The tree appears to otherwise be thriving, but it just occurred to me that maybe this is some type of disease. If so, I’d love to take care of it because this tree is a big part of our life and we love it. 

Thank you!