Ask A Scientist Botany Archive

name         Becky
status       educator
age          30s

Question -   I have a white oak tree, that has sap coming out around
the trunk that smells like rotten fruit. It is also attracting several
bugs. What is causing it and what should I do about it?
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Sounds like sap from the oak tree is coming out of a wounded area of the
trunk.  Perhaps find some commercial tree paint or wound dressing to cover
the wounded area.
http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/hot_topics/summer_98/storm-oakwilt.htm
http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/faqs/trpaint.htm
http://www.tbufc.org/spanish/protect_oaks.htm

Anthony R. Brach, Ph.D.
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