Question
QUESTION: I asked a previous question concerning our Ponderosa.  We live in Central Oregon and recently noticed a muddy-oozing coming from one of our Ponderosa trees.  Through some research we think it may be Slime Flux although the oozing doesn't smell.  The Ponderosa is dead so we've scheduled with a Faller to bring the tree down.  It it is Slime Flux will there be a danger of the saw-dust contamniating the other trees?  Also should we do something to "clean" the surrounding soil?

ANSWER: The bacteria associated with wetwood and slime flux are common soil and water inhabitants. These organisms presumably gain entry into susceptible stem-wood tissues through wounds or pruning scars via certain insects, pruning tools, birds, and wind. Additional infections appear to be possible through direct root penetration or colonization of root wounds. There has to be a wound for it to enter the tree. The sawdust will not be a problem for spreading the slim flux. No need to worry about the soil--the bacteria may be in the soil but you can not do anything to control it. The best thing will be to not wound a tree so the bacteria can not enter the wood. I would not worry about the spread.

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QUESTION: THANK YOU JIM!  That will rest those concerns.  My wife tasted the ooze to see if it had a taste since we couldn't smell an odor.  Is that something to be concerned about?

Answer
No! The ooze should not hurt her--it is generally just sap and sugars--that is why insects like yellow jacket will seek and feed on the ooze.  The bacteria causes alcohol to buildup in the trees system and the pressure of the alcohol making pushes the sap out through weak places in the bark. I would not be concerned about her tasting the ooze except for the fact of "mentally" Why! (;