Question
QUESTION: Good evening Dr. Vann,
We have had a terrible start to winter here in England, with snow and severe frosts. This has not affected my 21 year old Yukka tree before, but this time it has suddenly sprouted a yellow weeping patch about a metre long from the ground on one side of the trunk.There are several coloured pieces of what look like fungi that are red and green. Sadly it looks as though someone has vomited on it, and it appeared very quickly. Can you shed any light on this please, and your view on whether it is recoverable.
Regards,
William

ANSWER: William:

Are you referring to a Yucca? Can you send a photo of this area that you are concerned about. If possible, hold a ruler beside the area or give me the dimensions of it.  Be sure to review your image on your computer first--to be sure it is in focus before you hit the send button.

Steve

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yucca tree   QUESTION: Dear Dr. Vann,
Please find attached image, the area is approximately three feet high.
Many thanks,
William

Answer
William:
Thanks for the photo. From your description, I suspect cold temperatures may have created fissures or cracks in the bark, allowing cellular contents to spill out through the opening and run downward.  These cracks can develope when the bark gets real cold, then the sun comes out and quickly warms the bark in a localized or concentrated area, causing the fissures. Unfortunately, there is no magic bullet to repair this injury (often called frost damage).  These wounds may also provide entrance of insects and/or disease organisms.  Good fertility and soil moisture to promote plant vigor is the only thing you can do to prolong the life of the plant. Ultimately, the plant may succumb to secondary problems in the future.  There are trunk wraps available that can be used to minimize or even prevent the damage from occurring in the first place.

There is another phenomena called "slime flux" or "bacterial wetwood" in trees.  Use your computer to look for images to see of this.  This usually happens in warmer/hot conditions.  The "goo" that runs out of the opening is usually frothy or foaming and smells like fermentation and attracts insect.  Your issue does not sound like slime flux.  You can read about this slime flux on the internet.

Regards
Steve