Wetwood, also called Slime Flux is caused by the bacterium Erwinia nimipressuralis among others. This organism causes the fermentation of plant tissues deep within the tree. The resulting pressure (up to sixty pounds per square inch) forces the bacterial ooze out cracks, branch stubs and pruning cuts. As the ooze runs down the branch or trunk it discolors the bark. Previous recommendations for correcting this problem included drilling a hole in the tree to relieve the pressure. We now know that this causes further damage by spreading the disease organism, resulting in increased infections. At this time there is no `cure' for the problem.

As the pressure builds up in the tree, the slime may drip from branch cuts high in the tree. This alcohol based ooze kills the cambium tissue near the cut preventing the proper callusing of wounds. The ooze kills grass and other plants upon which the slime drips.

Further information is available by clicking Bacterial Wetwood

to the Trees Home Page