White Foam on Hickory After Storm Damage: Slime Flux

After straightening a bent hickory with a rope, the anchor tree developed vertical bark cracks oozing white, bubbly sap that attracts yellowjackets and flies.

What It Is

Slime flux (wetwood)—a bacterial fermentation in heartwood that produces gas pressure, forcing sap out through wounds. Common in elm, oak, maple, hickory, etc.

Prognosis

• Not a serious health threat if crown is healthy.
• Sap may flow for weeks/months, then stop spontaneously.
• No cure; wound dressings worsen it.

Care

• Remove loose bark in the area; let dry.
• Do not apply sealants.
• Optional: 10% bleach solution (1:9) on bark surface to deter insects.

The tree should recover; the flux is a symptom of stress, not a fatal disease.