River Birch Leaking After Pruning: What to Do

After storm damage forced major pruning on a mature river birch, the tree leaked water from cuts for two weeks, with yellow foam at the base. This is normal spring sap flow from wounds. River birches bleed heavily when pruned in spring. The flow stops as the wound heals. Do not apply pruning paint—it slows healing. Keep the tree well-watered to replace lost moisture. The foam is likely fermented sap and not harmful.

Care Tips

• Water weekly (1 inch) during dry periods.
• Avoid wound dressings.
• Expect leaking to cease as temperatures rise.