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In,
general, there is not a lot that you can do about Wetwood. Wetwood is
caused by a bacterial infection and is very common in elms and many
other species. The infection causes moisture to be retained in the wood
and also produces metabolic gases that increase the internal pressures
in the tree. Periodically the liquid will be forced out of the tree
through wound sites. The liquid oozes out and down the tree, where other
organisms colonize it. This liquid is called slime flux and is known to
have a foul odour.
Wetwood
becomes a problem only when enough infection sites occur on the tree to
compromise its structural integrity. A professional or consulting
arborist should judge this. Otherwise, wetwood can be viewed as somewhat
beneficial, as the moist environment that it creates in the tree helps
to prevent decay fungi from colonizing the tree.
If your question isn't
answered here, send it to us!
Or visit the wetwood
section of elmcare.com. |
