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Black trunk on whitebeam

richard.belcher2qYV4W9aArichard.belcher2qYV4W9aA Posts: 2
edited April 2022 in Problem solving
The trunk of a whitebeam has turned black and has signs of damage. We have woodpecker and rabbit in the garden. Could either of these have caused it? Do I need to worry about the tree? Thanks 

Posts

  • BlueBirderBlueBirder Posts: 212
    Could be slime flux? Is the area slimy or sticky, under the damaged trunk? Slime flux is when the tree has a bacterial infection and the wound in the trunk oozes the product (a bit like an oozing wound in humans). If it is slime flux, if the rest of the tree is healthy, it will likely be able deal with the infection itself over time. I'm no expert though!
  • BlueBirderBlueBirder Posts: 212
    Here is a bit of info about it:

    "If the tree is strong and healthy, it can off fight off infections of slime flux without too much damage. No action may be needed depending on the overall health and condition of the tree. However, if a tree is already under stress from drought, heat or soil compaction, the disease can infect the sapwood, especially in younger trees. Once the sapwood is infected, the infection inhibits the transfer of nutrients and water, so you’ll see leaves begin to yellow, wilt and then entire branches may die back. At this stage the deadwood will need to be properly pruned out of the tree."

    https://www.preservationtree.com/blog/black-ooze-whats-wrong-with-my-tree/
  • richard.belcher2qYV4W9aArichard.belcher2qYV4W9aA Posts: 2
    Thank you
  • ButtercupdaysButtercupdays Posts: 4,546
    Removing competition by clearing the grass well away from the trunk would help it, if there is any chance it might survive.
  • Arthur1Arthur1 Posts: 542
    I Would be worrying about it. It looks from your photo as though the damaged sunken area extends up the trunk. But trees take a long time to die and it may try to compensate for instance it may produce shoots from the base,. Be kind to it, weed free circle, some organic matter as a mulch.
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