Hi,
I have a very large tree in my back yard that I believe is a Siberian elm. I have found some websites to help me more positively identify it in the spring, when it gets leaves.
When we moved into the house 5 years ago, the tree would leak sap out of various parts: an area about 5 feet up where a large branch comes off the main trunk, and in quite a few places where there had been a broken branch or a large branch had been pruned. This is a large and impressive tree, so I have been trying quite hard to nurse it back to health with lots of compost, lava sand and green sand in addition to the organic lawn fertilization I apply. I have also regularly sprayed the ground around it and the trunk with Garrett Juice and have used liquid aerator out to the drip line. It has gotten somewhat better - now it is only leaking from the crotch area I mentioned earlier. I have tried using tree trunk goop in that area, and it worked for a few weeks and subsequent applications haven't help. The leak is a pretty good leak - there is a fairly thick stream down the trunk all the way to the ground.
Does anyone have any idea what might be causing this? This tree is such a focal point of the yard that provides great shade so I would hate to lose it (it was a big factor when we bought the house). I have read quite a bit of uncomplimentary stuff about Siberian elms and their susceptibility to various diseases and problems. Should I plant another shade tree, assuming that it won't make it in the long run?
Dennis
Siberian elm trouble
Hello Dennis, I looked for some info on the bleeding of Elms, this site has some references about half way down the page. It says that bleeding is common on Elm trees.
http://www.ontarioprofessionals.com/trees4.htm
I hope it helps.
Josephine.
Thanks! That made me feel quite a bit better - I suspect that I may have borers. I did see a few beetles in that general area in the summer. Is there any good remedy for borers?
Dennis, I looked around and couldn't find any organic remedies, maybe you could check with your nearest organic nursery.
Josephine.
Thanks, Josephine!
I do have a general question about the care of large trees. Most of the reading I have done say that the tree will be more resistant to borers if it is not under stress, and will recommend applying compost/lava sand/etc "out to the dripline" or to "spray the leaves with compost tea" or some other spray. This is a very large tree - the dripline covers most of my backyard, and a good distance into the park on the other size of my fence. And, as far as the leaves go - I can reach any of them, even with my 12 foot ladder!
Does anyone have an practical tips about what to do to keep large trees healthy? What gives the best bang for the buck?
Dennis
Compost, Compost, and Compost, If you have enough space to make plenty of it, you are all set, if not, it is not too expensive to purchase some to apply once a year. Compost tea is also great, you don't have to spray the leaves, you can spray it on the ground on the root zone. I make aerated compost tea and I even spray it on the lawn, it works great and is very economical.
Josephine.
I have always found the Texas Forestry Service very helpful. Contact the nearest office from this link:
http://texasforestservice.tamu.edu/contacts/default.asp
They can positively identify your tree and tell you what is wrong with it. If someone from that office can't tell you what is wrong, they will get you the answer and tell you what your options are. I'm sure they will be able to answer your questions.
I found an article that may help you,
http://www.gardenline.usask.ca/trees/elm-2.html
I hope you get help for your tree.
Veronica