Question
maple tree
I have a 25 year old maple tree that began showing signs of a bug infestation or disease last year. There appears to be an entry wound in the truck, and lots of sap? coming out. There is almost no visible bug activity except for a few very small knat like bugs flying around the sap. The rest of the tree also has an infestation on the leaves, waxy film, probably aphids? I tried some home bug spray last year, but the problem is worse this summer. Can you tell me what this is, and how to treat? I've attached a video. Appreciate any help you can provide, I can't loose this tree.
Thanks!
AnswerHi Jesse,
I don't see a video, just a small picture. It looks like there is a long vertical crack on the trunk. This may be a crack that was caused by some environmental injury such as a freeze crack.
You mentioned that there is sap exuding and insect activity in this area. The problem sounds like bacterial wetwood. This is a problem that occurs when there is a wound to the trunk and bacteria are able to enter the trunk. As the bacteria grow, they produce substances and release gases. The pressure will force some of the exudate to show up on the trunk. Sometimes it will appear foamy if mixed with gas. Since the bacteria are inside the trunk, there is little to no oxygen available. In order to grow, they must use fermentation respiration. The sap they are exuding has a sweet, fruity odor that will smell kind of like wine. This smell is highly attractive to insects which is why they are hanging around the site. If the ooze or insects are bothersome, you can spray the outside of the tree to wash away the fluid. Some people will use soap to help clean it or a weak bleach solution. In general, bacterial wetwood is not a real health problem to the tree. There is an injury, so a major pathogen could enter the site but it does not really have anything to do with the wetwood. Keeping the tree in good health (proper watering, fertility, removing dead wood) is your best line of defense. And the insects attracted would not cause additional harm to the tree.
As for the waxy film, it could be aphids but I'm just not sure. I would recommend that you try to treat the problem again. You may need to use a stronger product than something homemade and good coverage is essential. Similar products would be insecticidal soap (Safer Insect killing Soap Conc) or neem oil (Safer Bioneem, Bonide Bon-Neem). They are both relatively non-toxic. Stronger products would include acephate plus fenbutatin-oxide (Ortho systemic insect killer concentrate-don't use on sugar maples), acetamiprid (Ortho max flower fruit and vegetable insect killer rtu) or malathion (Green light 50% malathion insect spray). Good coverage is essential, so you may need to get on a ladder or hire someone to treat the tree if it is large.
Good luck!
