Question
What is the treatment for a plumcot tree that has honey colored, gummy oozings coming from the branches.....  Sometimes getting as large as a golf ball.  It eventually  kills the branch & the tree.

Answer
Patricia:
This resinous material is a defense mechanism that the tree exhibits to a wound. This is called gummosis.  Usually the wounds are made by insects that often bore into the wood. There are some insecticides available, however they work best to prevent entry of the insect. Once the insect gets inside, this limits the effectiveness. Contact your local nursery for an insecticide that has the ability to penetrate into the wood.  The insect is protected by the wood that surrounds it.  Trees can often persist for many years when they are properly cared for with fertilizer and water. Be sure to do maintenance pruning to remove dead portions and shape the tree.

Regards
Steve