How to save my 100-year-old flowering gum tree?

[Denidross]

I have a beautiful 50 foot WA flowering gum which is about 100 years old.  Over the past few years it has become very darkened in big patches around the base and along a few branches. It is also producing a lot of red sap around the base.  I would love any advice as to how to bring it back to health. I think it is borer ? insect problems? beetles? Im not sure. I am keeping it watered but would love some advice on nurturing it back to health. She's a grand old lady ! Merry christmas.

base of tree

[EricL]

Hello @Denidross

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. Thank you so much for joining us and sharing your question about your 100-year-old gum tree.

Black patches and excess red sap are not a good sign coming from your tree. This is usually an indication of a borer infestation. At this point no amount of chemical intervention will help, spraying the tree will only kill the surface borers but those inside the tree will still be alive. The tree defends itself by flooding its body with red sap, the sap kills the borers.

The tree's defense mechanism takes a heavy toll and one of the best ways to support it is to water the tree base heavily once a month, Hopefully, it will be enough support for the tree. Cut off any dead branches that you see and keep the bottom area free of dead leaves and debris.

Let me tag our experienced members  @Adam_W and @Noelle for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Noelle]

Hi @Denidross 

Eric's given you the best advice possible re what to do with your grand old tree. The only other suggestion would be to bring in an arborist with specialist knowledge of native trees, specifically gums, for an onsite consultation. There may be some additional remedial work that could be undertaken by a professional.

[BradN]

Hi @Denidross , 

What a gorgeous old tree. A grand old lady to be sure. 

My first instinct would be, as @Noelle said, to get a native arborist out to take a look at it. It's so big and beautiful that I wouldn't trust myself to mess around with it. I'd get an expert in...

Brad

[Denidross]

Thank you so much. I will do my best and call in an arborer .

Cheers

[Denidross]

Yes definitely will do. I appreciate your help

[Denidross]

Thanks so much.

I tried over covid to get one and it was impossible in Melbourne .

Hopefully I will have more luck after Christmas. In the mean time I will keep the water up