Similar to your vascular system, trees use a fluid to transport nutrients and water. This fluid is called sap, a sugary liquid full of water and vital nutrients. When a tree is pruned or injured, the sap may ooze around the site. This may cause homeowners to worry that their trees are dying. To help you understand this function, here is how some arborists explain the benefits of sap.

Why Do Trees ‘Bleed’ Sap?

If you’ve recently pruned your trees, sap seepage is a natural occurrence. To limit the amount of sap that bleeds, look to prune in late spring or early summer, after heavy spring sap activity has slowed down. If you haven’t recently pruned, bleeding sap can be a sign that your tree is affected by a disease or insect infestation.

This causes the tree to bleed sap as a defensive mechanism, attempting to stop the growth of insects or the progression of an infection. You should consult an arborist before the disease or infestation spreads to other trees on your property.

Should You Take Action?

In general, trees are well-designed to care for themselves, and you can leave a tree wound alone to heal on its own. However, if you have elm or oak trees on your property that are bleeding, it’s recommended that you have an arborist coat the wound with pruning paint.

These trees are susceptible to Dutch elm disease and oak wilt, which can quickly attack the tree through open injuries. If you’re not sure what type of trees you have on your property, an arborist can help you determine whether treatment is needed or not.

Keep your trees healthy and beautiful with help from the arborists at Travis Monk Tree Service. Based in Milton, PA, this locally owned and operated company offers everything from storm cleanup to tree removal and stump grinding. Not only do they finish all of their work promptly and efficiently, but their team will also clean up your yard thoroughly after the job is done. To learn more about their services, you can visit their website. To schedule an arborist visit, call (570) 490-4634.