Slime on elm chips

[carsmarco252]

Took a very large elm tree down 3 days ago. The tree was about 50ft tall and alive! I chipped into my trailer and now the chips on the surface, bits of chip stuck to my van, individual pieces on the floor have all developed this gel / clear slime over the tops and it's very sticky. I've never seen this before. Is it problematic, is it safe, will it disappear? 

[Stubby]

Sap was rising when you cut it perhaps .......

[carsmarco252]

I wonder if this would make the sticky substance though? 

[Stubby]

1 minute ago, carsmarco252 said:

I wonder if this would make the sticky substance though? 

Starting to ferment ?

[Squaredy]

No idea about the slime sorry, but if you are near South East Wales I could maybe buy the stem from you...if it is for sale....  Always after Elm and not so much of it around sadly.

[gobbypunk]

Hi never seen quite like that but most chip will develope fungus if left maybe it’s the start of that hope it isn’t poisonous 

[Stubby]

Tip it out whilst you can . If it goes " dusty " don't breath it in .

[Gary Prentice]

I've seen a gummy residue on pruning wounds on elm after a day or two, just below the bark. 

Honey bees seem to be attracted to it, so I guess the sap is sweet (it does taste sweet).

[carsmarco252]

I've not seen this before either. Even individual pieces of wood chip have developed this glutinous slime. I have barrowed quite a bit into a heap in my back garden so I hope it isn't bad news as I don't want to have to take it all out again.