Question
William,  I live in the Atlanta, Ga. area and have a large white oak (about 24-
30" in diameter) in my back yard.  About 2 years ago it contracted slime flux
and about 2/3's of the circumference has been affected.  We have been in a
heavy drought situation and I would like to know if I should remove the
tree?  There are sections that are not showing recovery and I am concerned
about it weakening and falling on my home.  It is about 12 feet from the
house.

Answer
Hi there. Slime flux does not hurt the tree. Sounds like bleeding pytopthoria canker. Which coupled with drought conditions is usually fatal to oaks.What is dead on the tree will not come back. If it's that close to the house it would be cheaper now, while there is life left in it,to get it removed rather than wait until it's dead and much more dangerous. Hope this helps,Bill