Bacterial Wetwood
by W.R. Jacobi1 (2/09)
Quick Facts...
Figure 1: Wetwood slime.
Figure 2: Dried slime.
Bacterial wetwood is a common disease that affects the central core or bark of many shade and forest trees.
Slime is the exudate generated from wetwood and is toxic to growing areas of the tree.
Several Insects commonly feed on this slime.
Wetwood-infected tissue does not greatly alter the wood strength of most trees.
Prevention of tree stress is the best management approach. Effective control measures do not exist.
Bacterial wetwood (bacterial slime, slime flux, alcohol flux) is a common disease that affects the central core of many shade and forest trees. In Colorado, the disease is most prevalent in aspen, cottonwood, elm and willow. The disease also affects species of apple, ash, birch, cherry, fir, honeylocust, linden, maple, oak, sycamore, plum, and poplars.
©2012 Colorado State University Extension
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