Sap emerges from the bark of the beech tree and drips down its trunk. A small trickle even forms. Many people then talk about ‘bleeding’. Is this dangerous and does the beech therefore need to be helped? Find out below!
What's behind it when a beech tree bleeds?
The bleeding of a beech tree is usually due toradical pruning, in the course of which the sap escapes from the inside to the outside through the exposed areas. These are water and nutrients. More rarely,diseasesor evenpests are behind it.
Does the beech tree bleed after pruning?
A radical cut of the beech can cause it tobleed, i.e. sap comes out of the bark. By being humble, the tree is injured. However, the transport pathways that ensure that water and nutrients travel from the roots up to the crown are not immediately closed. That's why the juice comes out. The risk is usually quite high in the spring shortly before budding, as reserve substances from the roots have to reach the buds.
What diseases can be behind the bleeding of beech trees?
Diseases on Fagus sylvatica, such asbeech bark necrosisor theburn crust fungus, can cause the plant to bleed. It is often preceded by a pest infestation that weakens the beech so that fungal pathogens can penetrate it. This could be the beech scale insect, but also the beech bark beetle.
Can beech tree bleeding be prevented?
The bleeding of the beech can be prevented on the one hand by thecorrect cutting timeand on the other hand by regularinspectionforpestsandDiseases Make sure that the beech tree is doing well and is not stressed by heat or drought. Stress robs her of strength and makes her more susceptible to parasites.
How can I treat the beech tree?
If a pruning is the cause behind the bleeding, you can act with awound closure agent. Apply this (e.g. tree resin or wax) to the wound on the beech, ideally immediately after pruning. This also reduces the risk that fungal pathogens can easily get into the interior of the tree through the open wound.
Is the bleeding of beech trees a concern?
The bleeding of beech trees is usuallynot a concern. However, if there are diseases or pests behind it, it could mean the end of the beech.
Tip
Cut in February to avoid bleeding
Prune your beech tree ideally in February. The beech tree begins to sprout from March and would then lose a lot of the juice that it needs for new growth if it were pruned.
