Slime Flux in Mature White Oak: Management Not Cure

Large white oak has 1-ft wide barkless strip to 18" up with 1/2" borer holes, sawdust, sap ooze, yellow jackets. Progressing since drought. Canopy full.

Slime Flux Confirmation

Bacterial wetwood: fermentation → gas pressure → sap flux through wounds. Attracts sugar-feeding insects. Two types: alcoholic, acidic (vinegar smell).

Management (No Cure)

• Wash trunk with bleach solution (1 pint/gal) to deter insects.
• Remove loose bark; let dry.
• NO wound dressings.
• Fertilize 10-10-10 at 1 lb/inch diameter for vigor.

Prognosis

Large oaks tolerate slime flux for decades. Flux may stop spontaneously. Structural risk from borers/decay > flux itself. Certified arborist for hazard assessment recommended.

Attempted "cures" cause more damage than flux.