problem with old wound on Linden tree

Robb

Hi, about five years ago when I was having my house built, one of the machines knocked into a very nice 12 inch 40 foot tall small leaf Linden and knocked a 6" by 8" piece of bark off of it. I normally would have treated the wound but I've been told that common practice now is to leave the tree alone to mend itself. This year I noticed that the wound is seeping sap, and the lower crotch of the wound contains a brown paste... it's like the sap is mixed with sawdust. I notice some scattered dead branches and some of the leaves are already turning yellow (August 30) with brown mold spots on them. I have quite a few lindens on my lot and they seem to get this during all but the driest years. I'm concerned about losing this tree because it's beautiful and also because it's in a spot that would make removing it difficult. Here's some pics. I'd appreciate any advice. Thanks in advance.

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Joey Meister

did you change the grade around the tree, ad new dirt around it when your house was built?, it looks like there is no root flare

Brent Ferris

I agree with Treeluver, the root flare seems to be absent for this size of tree. As little as 2 inches of settled topsoil will suffocate the tree roots, and if it a different soil than the topsoil, the problem will be compounded. If this situation is the case, this must be addressed before worrying about the trunk wound or the leaves. Inadequate air exchange for the roots will kill them, as will a shortage of water.

Incidentally, the seepage from the trunk, sounds like wetwood - a bacterial infection.

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