Wetwood
Wetwood, also known as slime flux, is a very common bacterial disease that occurs in many kinds of trees. Nearly all elm and poplar species are affected, as are numerous other trees including crabapple, beech, birch, maple, dogwood, horsechestnut, linden, oak, pine, redbud, sycamore, and tuliptree. Wetwood is normally not a serious disease. However, a tree with a chronic case of wetwood may decline in general vigor.
SYMPTOMS
Wetwood appears as a dark brown to black water-soaked area in the wood. A sour-smelling liquid seeps out of the tree, frequently at tree crotches, cracks in the bark, or pruning wounds. The liquid is colorless or pale while inside of the tree, but darkens when exposed to air. When the liquid dries, it leaves a pale gray to white crust on the bark.
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