| My Halls Hardy Almond tree is rapidly dying. Bright red-orange liquid is oozing from the trunk and crooks of the branches. Is there anything I can do to save this lovely tree? |
| It sounds like your tree is suffering from "gummosis", a fungal infection that affects members of the prunus family including almond, peach, nectarine and so on. The problem is spread by wind, rain, and insects. As it progresses, eventually there will be a powder on the goop, the fungal spores. To reduce the spread, you can try scraping away the ooze or you can use a copper based fungicide, or both. Be sure to read and follow all of the label directions; you may also have to spray more than once. Trees under stress are quick to develop insect and disease problems. Be careful not to overwater or overfertilize (these promote rapid but weak growth), and keep lawn mowers and weed whackers from damaging the trunk. Hope your tree regains its health! |
