In loving memory of Kenis D. Keathley 6/4/81 - 3/27/22 Loving father, husband, brother, friend and firewood hoarder Rest in peace, Dexterday

Tree Discharge?

Discussion in 'The Wood Pile' started by ReelFaster, Jun 15, 2018.

  1. ReelFaster

    ReelFaster

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    So since we bought this house I have noticed this larger double tree I believe is an oak what appears to be s burn mark. Never thought much of it figured prior owner made a bon fire at the base of the tree. So TN me and son are out back clearing some of the property and I noticed it again however the sun was hitting it so I got a better look and noticed water or fluid actually running from the tree. I touched it, felt mushy kinda like watery mud for lack of better terms. What hec is it? Thanks in advance!!!! [​IMG][​IMG]

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  2. T.Jeff Veal

    T.Jeff Veal

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    I'm not a tree expert by no means, but I've seen this several times before, especially where two trees grow together as you described. The ones I have cut would have some type of disease or rot in the trunk, makes them weak. I would keep a close eye on them, especially if they are close to some buildings. Looking at the bark, looks like a type of water oak, down here in GA, they are bad about getting pithy, doughty in the heart. Good luck...
     
  3. basod

    basod

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    ^+1 on above.
    It’s a wound between the two trunks the bark is trying to fill the void, so some sap and rain moisture collect causing decay.

    There’s also what is called catspaw where a limb has broken and peeled bark from the tree or improperly pruned- you end up with a void collecting moisture rotting the wood and the healthy bark is trying to repair itself.
     
  4. billb3

    billb3

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    +1 double tree constantly trying to heal the knit of the two trees.

    I would cut it down if it was near a building too.
    Could be benign, could be rotting inside.
    Plant another one start over and snip one off if it doubles.

    Some of those forked trees end up with threaded rods in them to save them from the split spreading as they start getting top heavy.
     
  5. ReelFaster

    ReelFaster

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    Thanks fellas, never seen this before!! Always learning something and here I thought it was a burn mark . Fortunately it is way behind my property. Thanks again!!!

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  6. Backwoods Savage

    Backwoods Savage Moderator

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    I have also seen this on single trees but that was elm. If we find it on a double like that, down it comes!
     
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  7. stuckinthemuck

    stuckinthemuck

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    Neighbor had something like that on a single white oak... turns out that he probably damaged the root system in the flower beds with a garden tool. Through lots of watering, a fungus was able to infect the tree and took out 1/3 of the circumference of the trunk. Sap was running out to fight the infection. When the dead bark was peeled off the smell was horrendous. Tree is still alive but it’s on its way out...
     
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  8. Eric VW

    Eric VW Moderator

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    “Tree Discharge” soon to become “Tree Dispatch”......?

    I agree with what has been stated above- keep an eye on it or drop immediately.
    :saw::saw::saw:
    :thumbs:
     
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  9. CoachSchaller

    CoachSchaller

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    ants and bugs get in there too! I have an elm that is doing the same thing in my backyard. One day it will have to come down, likely in pieces as there are power lines and fences in the area.
     
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