Possible Phytophthora on Broad-leaved Lime

[Matthew Arnold]

This pic was taken in mid-August of a large Broad-leaved lime next to one of the main access roads to our biggest site. We have had several tree surgeons turn up to have a look at the black ooze and all 3 of them have come up with different opinions. One saying it is phytophthora, another saying its a big weakness and the tree is weaping because of it and the last one saying its due to the water filled cavity in the fork( the cavity is only 2 inches deep, not exactly a bottomless pit). When i took the picture it was still sticky and smelt of mollases. The trees were all crown lifted and thoroughly dead wooded during the winter of 08-09. The tree isnt showing any signs of die back of yellowing of the leaves. Any help would be appreciated. Cheers

[tommer9]

Any pics of infected/ affected leaves? p.Ramorum isnt the only culprit for exudations of this sort..

[Matthew Arnold]

No pics of affected leaves unfortunately. only managed to get pics of the ooze. if had got pics of the top of the tree i would have been underneath the crown of a nice low oak thats full of bats

[andy2]

Are any of the surrounding trees showing signs of ill health as well?I dont think its Weeping canker of caucastion lime as it only effects Tillia x euchloria.So maybe pytopora or even slim flux maybe

[Matthew Arnold]

None of the surrounding trees are showing signs of being a bit sick. apart from a bit of deadwood in the crown there isnt much to show for ill health. the two lower trees have quite a bit of epicormic growth that we knock back every few months in the spring and summer but limes send epicormic growth out for a past time

[andy2]

the two lower trees have quite a bit of epicormic growth that we knock back every few months in the spring and summer but limes send epicormic growth out for a past time

 

Ha yeh they doo.Maybe best just to monitor them and do somthing about it when they start to die off or large crack apperaing in the bark.

[Old Mill Tree Care]

I found exactly the same on a Lime tree today. My phone died so I couldn't get a photo.

 

If any further thoughts or knowledge emerged since this thread started would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[Tony Croft aka hamadryad]

This is most likely a minor colonization via armillaria, look for a stressed branch connected to the vascular channel associated with this portion of the stem cambium.

 

it may be the branch is on the other side if helical grown and an "edge tree" (avenues for example)

 

 

quite normal, improve growing conditions and it will be minor

[Old Mill Tree Care]

Brilliant, that was exactly my theory too Hama, thanks.

There is a long low branch that is stressed, loads of epicormic, still green whilst the rest of the tree is half defoliated.

 

Any other thoughts still appreciated.

Thanks.