Q.Plum Tree Oozing Sap, Etc.
My 10-year-old plum tree had several limbs that did not leaf out. There was flaking bark at the junction of limbs and trunk, and on larger limbs and branches. There is also oozing sap and cracks on the lower trunk. Branches facing east have produced a good crop of plums. Branches facing west, which include the ‘dead’ (?) ones have little or no fruit. My apple tree has the same flaking bark symptoms but looks very healthy and has produced a good crop. Any suggestions for treatment?
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
It might be bacterial wetwood or peach borers or canker, depending on how the sap looks. These articles will describe the nature of the running sap for each problem and will suggest solutions:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/wetwood-bleeding-trees.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/peach/peach-tree-borer.htm
http://plantclinic.cornell.edu/factsheets/treecankers.pdf