Globe Willow Crack After Pruning & Cottonwood Sap Bleed: Two Tree Issues

Two Post-Pruning Problems: Willow Crack and Cottonwood Bleeding

A homeowner heavily pruned a 15-year-old globe willow last year; this spring a vertical crack appeared on the trunk. Also, a 15-year-old cottonwood pruned with a friend now pours brown sap.

Globe Willow: Crack & Septic Risk

• Crack: Heavy pruning + rapid growth = internal stress cracks. Monitor; if crack widens or wood softens, consult arborist.
• Septic danger: Willow roots aggressively seek water and will invade septic lines. Tree is 10 feet from leach field—high risk. Consider removal or install root barrier 25+ feet from lines.

Cottonwood: Spring Sap Bleed

• Normal. Cottonwoods (and maples, birches) bleed heavily if pruned in late winter/early spring when sap pressure is high.
• Wounds will self-seal over time.
• Exception: If the central leader was topped, the tree may become bushy or die.

Action Items

1. Assess willow crack severity; budget for potential removal near septic.
2. Leave cottonwood alone—it will compartmentalize the wounds.
3. Future pruning: do in summer (after leaf-out) to minimize bleeding.