Q: I have a tree in my back yard that has several brown spots on the trunk. This is the only tree in my yard that has these, and they are all on the one side facing the sun. Any idea on what is causing these spots and how to treat it?

A: I think this is bleeding canker….a condition that can be caused by several different fungi.

Not much is known about it, so control measures are unknown as well.

I think that the best thing to do is to keep the tree healthy by mulching a wide area under the limbs to prevent water stress and avoid application of any lawn chemicals nearby.

A healthy tree will wall off the damaged area and the canker will likely eventually disappear.

Bleeding Cankers

bleeding canker

bleeding canker