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Cottonwood Tree: Early Leaf Drop and Slime Flux

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From: Beata Osmondson City: Lombard, IL
Our Cottonwood tree has lost all leaves in the summer months and it is leaking out sap in some spots. How can we save this tree? What is wrong with it?
	Extension Message From: Jay Hayek Extension Specialist, Forestry Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences jhayek@illinois.edu
Greetings Beata: Cottonwood trees are one of the first trees to shed their leaves -- often occurring in late summer. Therefore, I would not worry about early leaf drop. The "sap" that you are describing is probably wetwood (slime flux). There is no control for this common tree disease other than maintaining tree vigor and health (proper watering during periods of drought, proper fertility, etc.). Trees that are under severe stress may need to be removed; however, a certified arborist should be consulted before making such a decision.
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