How Can I Help My Peach Tree?

Question

My tree is about 4 years old, hasn’t had fruit yet. I live in Ontario, Canada it’s spring now. I noticed today that there’s yellow sap coming out of the bark and the branches. I was told by a local garden centre to put pruning paint everywhere that the sap is coming out of but someone else told me that pruning paint is outdated and not a good idea.

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Answer 1

Oh no! That is likely bacterial. There is no real treatment for it. Painting it with pruning paint will trap that bacteria inside, making the issue much worse!

Usually, bacterial infections come from a tree that is not quite happy, and is located in a location that doesn't dry out enough.

The first things to do will be to test the soil for pH and nutrient deficiencies. These articles will help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-soil.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/soil-ph-plants.htm

As long as nutrients and pH are within a healthy range, you can move on to moisture control. If deficiencies are present, then correct those first.

This article will help you to monitor moisture:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-moisture-in-plants.htm

Fungicides can help lessen the impact of the disease:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm

This article will help you to understand more about bacterial wetwood:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/wetwood-bleeding-trees.htm

This article will help you with the care of Peach trees:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/peach/peach-tree-care.htm