Fruitless Mulberry Bleeding Sap: Bacterial Wetwood (Slime Flux) Management

30+ year fruitless mulberry bleeding heavily from main branches, not near pruning sites. Trunk hammered by child earlier. Owner wants to stop flow and save tree.

Diagnosis: Bacterial Wetwood / Slime Flux

• Internal bacterial infection creates gas pressure, forcing sap out.
• Sap dark, frothy, foul-smelling; kills grass below.
• Enters through wounds (pruning, lawn equipment, child's hammer).
• Does not kill tree; many live decades with it.

Management—What Works

• Remove dead/declining branches.
• Avoid injuries (mowers, trimmers).
• Prune properly with clean tools.
• Water during drought; fertilize based on soil test.
• Do NOT cut away bark—worsens infection.

Sap Flow

Cannot be stopped. Wash off insects/debris with water if unsightly. Tree will compartmentalize.

Green leaves on all branches mean they're alive. Scratch bark to confirm (green/white = alive).