What's wrong with my mimosa tree - its oozing!?
Question:Last week I noticed a fruity, almost fermenting alcohol smell around my mimosa tree. I noticed what looked like a clump of frozen margarita at the intersection of the trunk and one of the main branches. I washed it off thinking perhaps that was what it was. Its back again. White to yellow coloring that seriously looks like a margarita with a fruity smell. It is dripping down to the base of the tree. The tree doesn't seem as healthy this year - it still flowered, has mostly green leaves, but didn't flower as long. It received some trauma last year but I used sealant at all the areas that I had to prune. Any ideas what's going on? Is my tree a goner?
Answers:
yes, it's a goner. not sure of the name of the disease, but it is common among mimosa. if you let it die( not cut it down) lots of butterflies and other intresting insects will feast on it all summer. it's beautiful
No, but don't wipe it off. It is trying to reseal itself kind of like when you get cut and the scab forms.
Your tree is definitely sick. It could be a disease that's causing the leaking sap. Most likely it's a blight of some kind. Insects, such as borers drill their way into the center of the tree and start hanging out. If their repeated holes in the trunk don't kill the tree, then the diseases they bring with them usually do. Your best bet is to get a picture of the oozy stuff and take it to your local agriculture extension agent, or your local Certified Nursery Professional (they usually work at the local nursery). Get a couple of shots of the oozing, and possibly take a SMALL sample of the goop. They can tell you what can or can not be done about your tree.
Sounds like a boring beetle has infested your tree. Is it in a crotch (Y shaped area)? You can use a product by Bayer for insect infestation that is systemically applied (at the base of the tree) and protects it for up to one year. You may need more than one application. Follow the directions carefully. It is not too late to save it.
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