Old Apricot Tree Sap Oozing: Bacterial Canker vs. Borer

Diagnosing the Sap Flow

30+ year old apricot with chunky sap/resin on branches, killed flowers, few fruits—two main causes:

1. Bacterial canker (Pseudomonas syringae): Sap oozes from branches; copper hydroxide (Hi-Yield Copper) helps manage.
2. Peach tree borer: Similar symptoms; tree likely doomed if borers in trunk.

Treatment Approach

• Spray copper hydroxide if canopy reachable—safe, 0-day PHI, organic-approved.
• Won't harm adjacent lemon tree—copper is non-toxic to citrus.
• Timing: Apply now; repeat per label. No seasonal restriction for copper on stone fruit.

Borer Reality Check

If borers present (sawdust, holes), copper won't help. But copper is low-risk, high-potential-benefit for bacterial canker. Try it; monitor for borer signs.

Fruit near harvest: wash well before eating.