[College of ACES] [University of Illinois] [Illinois CES]

Re: A Bleeding Tree

ecosync@compusmart.ab.ca
Wed, 5 Aug 1998 19:37:14 -0500

By the fact that sap is escaping there is a point of entry for disease organisms into the tree. Some trees when cut or injured exhibit sap flow. This sap may contain sugars and thus the tree is losing some of its energy store. Such a loss will further its susceptibility to disease.

If your neighbour is trying to tell you the tree is bleeding to death, there is no such thing in trees. Putting on a bandage in the form of a wound dressing has been shown to be without merit and may in fact be detrimental.

If you can't see any cracks or injuries, just let it go.