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Sick Tree of unknown
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Author:  gardeningangel [ Mon Jun 22, 2009 10:06 am ]
Post subject:  Sick Tree of unknown

I have a tree in my back yard that I don't know the name of. I bought it at a church rummage sale about 8 years ago as a sapling and it is now about 18 feet tall. Upright growth habit, small leaves that are triangular shaped with small points around the edge, less than 2" from stem to leaf tip. The bark is whitish, though now turning bronze-colored at the base. I think it's a type of birch...
Some of the leaves near the upper branches are now wilting. There are bore-holes on the bark, in some areas on the lower trunk of the tree the bark has some whitish substance that feels wet and sort of "slimey."
I live in the western area of Washington state and where the tree is planted is pretty shady with ferns and salal. What is going on with my lovely tree?

Author:  Dirt Doctor [ Tue Jun 23, 2009 8:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Sick Tree of unknown

Can you send us a photo?

Author:  gardeningangel [ Wed Jun 24, 2009 9:17 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Sick Tree of unknown

I have since discovered the "slimey" whitish fluid seems to be sap flowing from several holes and a strip of bark that is missing (I tasted it). While clearing the floor area around the tree and surrounding areas of underbrush (thinking to increase air flow around the tree) I saw a red breasted sap sucker come to the tree several times, not bothered by my presence one bit. Also yellow jackets, bees and flies reallying interested in staying on the bark of the treee.
I considered trying to find the ingredients for Tree Goop-organic products seem surprisingly limited in our area of Kitsap County (for a bunch of "tree huggers") and would have to order online. I went to a local nursery and found rolls of a cotton fabric tree wrap which I purchased. Last night, I took some of my 100% cotton batting (from quilting), wrapped it around the affected areas, then wrapped the trunk with the tree wrap, hoping this will help the tree heal and avoid further damage by the sap suckers or large woodpeckers that like our 5 acres.
Of course I also wonder am I depriving them of needed food eliminating the sap?
Sorry, I didn't take any pictures before wrapping the tree, but will if this doesn't work. Do you think I ought to do the Tree Goop thing anyway and then wrap the trunk?

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