Question
Hello, I have seen a number of oak trees (red) that have been climbed for pruning using tree spikes. Most of this work as relayed by people was done a year ago. This year the holes have darkened and sap is running out of these holes.
Please advise if these oak are in danger and/or if this a symptom of a disease (the leaking resembles a phytopthera bleed).

Best regards,
Sadia


Answer
Sounds like just flow from the wounds from the spikes. The only thing this does is allow fungi to enter the wood and over a long time may cause the tree to become hollow. There is not anything short of not allowing tree spikes that can be done at this time. The tree will heal over the wounds and will try to seal out the fungi. A healthy tree should be able to do this sealing. If you are getting rainfall I would go ahead and fertilize the trees with a 13-13-13 fertilizer spread on the ground under the trees canopy and watered in. Use about 1 lb per diameter of the tree trunk. Try not to get the fertilizer closer than 2 feet from the trunk.