Yucca Tree

Question

My tree has lost most of its leaves and smells rancid and oozing stuff at base of trunk. It is turning black. At first I thought a fox had been around but now think it is the tree itself.

Answer 1

If it is soft, this indicates that rot has gotten into the stem. This is often caused by standing water or too much water. It may also be cold damage. Have you had a bad winter where you are? If it smells fishy, it may be bacterial soft rot. Unfortunately, there is no cure for soft rot.