Pin Oak Trunk Oozing Reddish-Brown: Slime Flux from Wetwood

Large pin oak in eastern NE oozes dark reddish-brown fluid from old branch scar 20 feet up.

Condition: Slime Flux / Wetwood

• Bacteria invade wound → ferment → produce methane gas → pressurize sap → flux out.
• Flux darkens on air exposure; may attract insects/yeast.
• Not fatal; tree survives if not severely stressed.

Care

• Avoid further stress; improve growing conditions.
• Flush area with water or dilute bleach if odor/insects objectionable.
• Fertilize with 10-10-10 at 1 lb per inch trunk diameter, watered in.

Flux may recur depending on gas production and wound closure.