What is destroying this tree?

rubystree

Hi all, hoping you can help identify what is destroying our tree. We believe it's a box elder, and it is HUGE. It isn't the prettiest thing but we have a small city lot and it shades us well. We think it's probably time for it to go anyway, but out of curiosity I'd like to identify the disease that's taking it out.

We had terrible high winds here yesterday and lost a massive limb. This is the second large limb we've lost in a year and we are thinking it's time for the tree to go before it takes out the house.
The limb that came down clearly has some sort of a disease. The main section, where I would assume the infection is oldest, is completely hollowed out in places, and the remaining shell appears wet inside. Newer sections vary from crumbling, soaked interior to intact wood but 'soaked' in the heart of the branch, and the wood looks blood red. What would cause this? I did some reading about slime flux but cannot find any pictures of what the interior wood of an affected tree would look like. The tree does have a large knot that weeps continually. Ideas?

I'm going to take some pics as soon as we're done getting the limb off of the fence.

rubystree

OK, we have pictures.








I appreciate any input. Thanks!

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Eric Frei

OK, due to the common problem I just loaded up a thread with answers.

Bacterial Wetwood| Slime Flux| Facts

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rubystree

Thanks for those links. Seems about right except there is no smell and the ooze isn't affecting the grass below or the bark.

Regardless I'm guessing it's time for the tree to go. Bummer.

glennak

I think a photo from a bit further back would show the problem.

rubystree

Sorry if I'm being obtuse glennak. Do you mean of the affected limb, or of the whole tree?

Eric Frei

whole tree.

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glennak

Yes as Ekka says the whole tree. From what I can see I would say it was attacked by the worst tree pest there is. the tree lopper.

rubystree

LOL.

OK, I will attempt to get a full pic. It's a big tree and a small yard.

The tree hasn't been touched in five years; I suppose it's possible it was hacked up before we got here. It definitely should have been worked on in these last five years.

TreeSpecialist

As a very poor compartmentalizer of decay, the box elder is highly susceptible to catastrophic failures. People and things frequently get hurt.

The rot and decay in the picture is from old wounds that happened long before you assumed ownership and there is nothing you can do about it.

If the tree will hit something or someone when it falls, it is a hazard and should be removed.

Call a professional and check their insurance docs carefully before proceeding with a removal of this magnitude.

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treeshaveneeds

I agree with Tree Specialist that the decay is from previous trimmings.
But boxelder generally grows really fast and adds on more growth for more strength on old injuries. It is not a good tree for compartmentalization, and not especially strong in strong winds, but judicious trimming could allow the tree to stay for some time to come.
A local tree service can ascertain its health and desirability better. Just be sure they care more about the assessment of the tree than the paycheck they will have for removing it.
The picture really didn't make the tree look all that big. In Toronto, they often attain a height of 80 to 90 feet and a dbh of 3 ft or more - and usually growing in the worst imaginable places to remove.