eXtension

tree with strange gashes in trunk

Asked May 7, 2020, 5:38 PM EDT

I have a tulip poplar tree with 5-6 inch long gashes. This is a new occurrence. These gashes go up the trunk about 6 feet. Nothing oozes out, but the inside of the gash looks possibly like dark syrup. I had nothing on me at the time to insert in the gash for investigation. What are these and should I be concerned?

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Dscn1348_tree_300x300%2523

Howard County Maryland

1 Response

This looks like several infections of slime flux or wet wood, a common occurrence in trees. Usually this is a relatively harmless organism that gets in wounds. It's superficial and stays localized. Here's more about it you'll want to know: https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/slime-flux-and-wetwood

These wounds almost appear in a pattern. Did someone scale the tree with spurs in the past? Keep an eye on it.

Ellen