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Laurel Oak Rust Spots & Sap: Slime Flux (Wetwood)

Rust-colored spots running down trunk after heavy watering = slime flux (wetwood). Bacteria ferment sap in wounded heartwood; gas pressure forces dark, odorous liquid out. Not fatal.

Management

Flush trunk with water or dilute bleach to reduce smell/insects.
Fertilize: 10-10-10 at 1 lb/inch trunk diameter before rain.
Avoid further stress.

Tree walls off decay internally. Flux may recur but rarely kills.

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