Hawthorn Trees Are Seeping A White Foamy Substance

Question From: Lapel, Indiana, United States
Q: Our hawthorn trees are seeping a white foamy substance up the trunk and is beginning to appear up the limbs. The foam is running down the trunk and making small puddles at the base of the trees. We've never seen this before. What is it, is it something wrong with the tree? If so, how can we get rid of it?

A: Sounds like slime flux disease - a bacterial infection. I suggest you get an onsite inspection from a trained tree doctor, a certified arborist, for an accurate diagnosis. To find one in your area go to www.tcia.org. Best Nancy