Bacterial Wetwood (Slime Flux) in Maple Trees

Chronic but Manageable Condition

Yellowish liquid seeping from a maple trunk is bacterial wetwood (slime flux). Anaerobic bacteria ferment wood, producing gas pressure that forces foul-smelling slime out through wounds. Common on maples, elms, oaks. Toxic to grass but rarely kills the tree.

Management

• No cure; trees live decades with it.
• Don't insert drain pipes—worsens wounding.
• Minimize stress: avoid wounds, water deeply in drought.
• Wash trunk with bleach solution (1 pint/gallon) to deter insects.