Is my tree okay? - Ask Extension
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 ...
Knowledgebase
Is my tree okay? #879829
Asked August 01, 2024, 9:42 PM EDT
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!
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
The good news is it is rarely fatal or even deleterious. There is no cure, one needs to give the tree the right amount of water and keep it healthy. Make sure the tree gets about 5 gallons of water per week and check the soil moisture under the tree at a depth of 4 inches before watering. The soil should be moist but not bone dry or soggy.
https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/bacterial-wetwood/
https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/bacterial-wetwood/
