Question
I AM IN FORT WORTH TEXAS, I HAVE A 9 YEARS PINE TREE. RECENTLY IT HAS BEEN OOZING A LIGHT YELLOW THICK SUBSTANCE FROM THE TRUNK. THIS ALMOST LOOKS LIKE THAT FOAM YOU CAN GET IN A CAN TO INSULATE WITH.

ANY IDEAS WHAT IT IS AND HOW TO GET RID OF IT IF NECESSARY.

THANK YOU,

JEFF

Answer
Sounds like the damage from a boring insect called the Dioryctria moth. These bore into the tree trunk and the tree exudes a wad of pitch. They can be controlled with an insecticide called Onyx or Merit. This is sprayed on the trunk and the insect larvae in the trunk will be killed. They really do not drastically harm the tree but do make it look bad.