I have since discovered the "slimey" whitish fluid seems to be sap flowing from several holes and a strip of bark that is missing (I tasted it). While clearing the floor area around the tree and surrounding areas of underbrush (thinking to increase air flow around the tree) I saw a red breasted sap sucker come to the tree several times, not bothered by my presence one bit. Also yellow jackets, bees and flies reallying interested in staying on the bark of the treee. I considered trying to find the ingredients for Tree Goop-organic products seem surprisingly limited in our area of Kitsap County (for a bunch of "tree huggers") and would have to order online. I went to a local nursery and found rolls of a cotton fabric tree wrap which I purchased. Last night, I took some of my 100% cotton batting (from quilting), wrapped it around the affected areas, then wrapped the trunk with the tree wrap, hoping this will help the tree heal and avoid further damage by the sap suckers or large woodpeckers that like our 5 acres. Of course I also wonder am I depriving them of needed food eliminating the sap? Sorry, I didn't take any pictures before wrapping the tree, but will if this doesn't work. Do you think I ought to do the Tree Goop thing anyway and then wrap the trunk?
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