Question
I have recently read a question/answer about seepage from Oak Trees.  Would a natural gas line by, and possibly under the tree contribute to this?  This is the main line that runs up to our house.  Recently we had the regulator on the Meter changed because it was leaking.  This meter is 8 feet from the Oak Tree.  Another concern is that the pipe lead to the meter maybe partially/under the Tree

Thank You in advance for your consideration in this matter.

Michael J Williams

Answer
No a gas line under a tree has nothing to do with slime flux--flux is a product of bacteria buildup in the tree and the ooze escapes forma weak place in the bark. A leaking gas line could cause dieback or yellowing of the foliage. This can be over come by fertilizing the tree with 10-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 1 lb per inch of trunk diameter scattered around the tree and watered in good. The pipe under the tree will not harm the tree.