Hi all, I have a plum tree, new last year, looks healthy and flowers were abundant in spring. There appears to be a jell like substance at the base of the tree. It appears to be coming from under ground and I am hoping this is not a sign of a problem. Anyone have any ideas? Any help is appreciated.

Reply to post by Bill, on June 28, 2002 at 21:25:47:

It may be a sign of borer activity.Be sure the trees are not stressed, and prevent injury to the bark by line trimmers, mowers, etc. Look up borers and follow recommendations. One site I visited said you might try poking a wire in the holes where sap is, to spear the borers before they do further damage.
It's best to have someone local look at the problem, if you can't figure it on your own.

Reply to post by Bill, on June 28, 2002 at 21:25:47:

This sounds like peachtree borer, which is not uncommon on the plums. Keeping the tree healthy is the best defense.

Before making any treatments, be sure you have a positive identification of the problem. Find a good local arborist to check it, or ask Cooperative Extension or a Master Gardener for help with this. then get your state's recommendation for control measures. It may include pesticide applications, so be sure to follow all label directions of use and safety.

The International Society of Arboriculture maintains a current list of ISA Certified Arborists. The searchable list can be accessed at the ISA Web site, at:
http://www.isa-arbor.com

The link below has one page about this pest, assuming this is what the problem is. Again, get a good ID first.