What would make pitch leak from my fir tree?

Question:I have a 100' fir tree in my yard that has pitch pouring out of it to the point that it's spreading onto the ground. I've been told that the bark is cracked, not the actual tree. Should I have it cut down?

Answers:
I would not cut it down. I'm sure it is a nice tree.
Some firs do leak. The Grand Fir of the PNW is sometimes called "piss fir" by loggers because of how they leak and smell. They do not seem to be a problem. I've known of many that grew many years, healthy, but a little wet.

I don't think there is anything that can be done about it. Maybe use some gravel or mulch to keep the leakage from causing a prblem.