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Quaking Aspen Sap Ooze: Woodpecker Holes or Bacterial Wetwood

Aspen with Brown Liquid Oozing from Holes in Utah

One of three aspens oozes brown liquid from small holes. Likely woodpecker (sapsucker) feeding holes—rows of small round holes. Sap flow is tree’s response.

Other Possibility

Bacterial wetwood (slime flux)—fermented sap from internal pressure. Oozes continuously, smells sour. Tree can live years with it.

Woodpecker Deterrence

Metal trunk wrap (ugly).
Most species protected; limited options.
Damage rarely fatal unless holes girdle trunk.

Monitor

If ooze stops in month → woodpecker. If persists → wetwood. No treatment for wetwood.

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