Hello :I'm a Municipal Arborist in Canada Burlington Ontario
I have a problem with one of our city trees . The tree is a Eastern White Pine 80 cm or 30 inches in caliper . The tree is in good shape . The problem is the tree continues to bleed from the pruning cuts two years after pruning . The lower limbs where removed for road clearence . I have had the tree assessed the University Diagnostic clinc and they have not found any insects or disease which would contribute to the bleeding . The resident has lost his patence with the tree and has requested the tree be removed . This tree will go to city councill on a decision . I have tried varios things from burlape wrap to tree kote spray with no luck . I would greatly appreciate any thought or ideas . The bleeding has been going for two years know . I'm afraid Council will side with the resident which would set a precedent which would affect other trees . Thanks Rick Lipsitt

It sounds as though the tree can not seal the wound. This would suggest to me that the branch may of been flush cut, ie removing the reaction wood, therefore the tree is trying to seal the wound with great difficulty.
I do not think there is any magic cure except time its self!. As the tree increases in girth and new wood is laid down the wound should seal. But do you want to retain a tree that has not sealed a wound for 3-4yrs maybe?.

The damage and die back internaly could make the tree a potential hazard?. Flush cuts are the starting point of many serious problems.

If the tree is not flush cut I can think of no other reason for the continued sap loss.

Regards
Mark

Hi Mark :The cuts where collar 3 to 4 inches . White Pines are not a typical street tree in Ontario . In my opinion the branches should not of been removed in the first place ,however our arborist was cornered by the resident to remove them for what ever reason . No matter what I do it will be a fight . thanks Rick