Sumac Wetwood (Slime Flux): Bacterial Ooze in Crowded, Wet Garden

10–15 year old sumac in small, crowded city garden has cream-colored weeping sticky patches on trunk that bleed when poked. Very wet summers. Expert: classic wetwood (slime flux)—bacterial fermentation of sap, gas pressure forces ooze. Two flux types (alcoholic/acidic). Attracts insects. Discolors bark. Large trees get it without wounds. Stress (heat, drought, crowding) triggers it. No treatment—wash trunk with bleach solution (1 pint/gal) to deter bugs. Maintain vigor, minimize wounds. Crowded city trees struggle more.

Acceptance

• Flux comes and goes.
• No cure, no need.
• Don’t drill or drain.

Live with it; tree will too.