3 (1 = rare 5 = annual)

2 (1 = very little damage 5 = plants killed)

The disease affects a wide range of trees, but is most commonly encountered on elm.

Tree

• Chinese Elm, Lacebark Elm (Ulmus parvifolia)
• Common Mulberry (Morus alba)
• Eastern Cottonwood (Populus deltoides)
• Northern Pin Oak (Quercus ellipsoidalis)

The disease causes an internal pressure which, in turn, causes a waterish material called slime flux to ooze out through wounds in the bark. Slime flux is caustic (very alkaline). Generally, the bark is slowly bleached of its coloring where the slime flux runs down the outer bark. Often there is an unpleasant odor associated with the slime flux for a short period during the growing season.

There is a complex of bacteria which cause wetwood and little is known about infection and the disease life cycle.

There are no chemical controls at this time for wetwood. Occasionally a plastic pipe may be used to drain the slime flux in order to avoid additional weakening of trunk and branch crotches. Never use a metal pipe since the trees will eventually engulf the pipe. When the tree needs to be removed or trimmed, saws hitting the pipe may be damaged or worse the person using the saw may be injured or killed.

Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide
The Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide (C1391) provides is written for homeowners and other residents and provides nonchemical and current chemical recommendations for controlling pests associated with trees, shrubs, turf, flowers, groundcovers, vegetables, fruit, and houses. In addition, you'll find detailed information about integrated pest management, pesticide safety, and pesticide application and calibration techniques. This publication may be purchased at your local University of Illinois Extension Unit office, or by calling 800-345-6087, or by placing an order online (search for "C1391").
Visit site >>

Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook
The Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook (ICLT) is written for professional applicators and provides nonchemical and current chemical recommendations as well as application timing information for all major pests of turf, woody ornamentals and herbaceous ornamentals. This publication may be purchased at your local University of Illinois Extension Unit office, or by calling 800-345-6087, or by placing an order online (search for "ICLT").
Visit site >>

U of IL - Distance Diagnosis through Digital Imaging
A free plant, weed, insect and disease identification service available through your local University of Illinois Extension office. Center Educators or State Specialists review & respond to information and digital images submitted by local Extension office personnel. Some samples may require further examination or culture work (nominal fee involved) at the U of IL Plant Clinic.
Visit site >>

U of IL - Plant Clinic
Services include plant and insect identification, diagnosis of disease, insect, weed and chemical injury (chemical injury on field crops only), nematode assays, and help with nutrient related problems, as well as recommendations involving these diagnoses. Microscopic examinations, laboratory culturing, virus assays, and nematode assays are some of the techniques used in the clinic.
Visit site >>