The Situation

These pictures were taken on October 19, 2002. Most of the white ooze was on the south-west side of the honeylocust tree on the lower branches, approximately six feet above the ground. The tree was growing in a healthy, well established lawn that was watered from a pressurized irrigation system controlled by a timer. The tree is approximately eight years old.

The frothy ooze was very sticky to the touch, a consistency very similar to melted marshmallow. A sample of the bark was removed and within twenty-four hours the ooze had melted into a clear, non-sticky covering over the bark; the froth was gone. Observation under a dissecting scope did not show any surface damage to the bark either by insect of disease. The leaves did not show evidence of scorch or other physical damage.

Weather conditions during the summer were hot and dry. Daily temperatures reached and exceeded 105 degrees Fahrenheit numerous times during the summer.

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Question: What may have caused this clear ooze to develop?

Question: What care should be taken to protect the tree from future occurrences of this problems?