Bacterial wetwood (bacterial slime, slime flux, alcohol flux) is a common disease that affects the central core of many shade and forest trees. Several bacteria, including species of Enterobacter, Klebsiella and Pseudomonas, often are associated with wetwood. It has not been conclusively demonstrated that these bacteria cause the disease, but they are directly involved. Symptoms: Symptoms of this disorder include a yellow-brown discoloration of the wood, generally confined to the central core of the tree. This affected wood is wetter than surrounding wood and is under high internal gas pressure. The gas pressure and high moisture content cause an oozing or bleeding of slime, from pruning cuts, through bark cracks and branch crotches. The ooze often is foul-smelling, slimy, and colonized by yeast organisms when exposed to air. When the slime dries, it leaves a light gray to white crust on the bark. There are no control measures. Please see the fact sheet "Bacterial Wetwood."

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