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Weeping

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From: Terryle Martinez City: Broomfield, CO
The weeping substance from my cottonwood looks and smells like tar or oil. Any idea what it is and why it is? This is the second year I've seen it and its on the opposite side of the trunk this time. Its also about 1 foot off the ground on both sides. Up close it smells horrible. Is my tree going to die?
	Extension Message From: Richard Hentschel Extension Educator, Horticulture DuPage/Kane/Kendall Unit hentsche@illinois.edu
Your cottonwood may have a bacterial infection that causes the weeping. The infection may also contain yeasts which adds the smell. This has a common name of wetwood disease and is common on a number of woody plants. I am not aware of an effective treatment. Trees live with wetwood disease for many years. Suggest you contact your local University Extension Office for a more local approach to management.
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