Crab apple tree with multiple issues - OOze, lumps, soot, bark... Help

Hey,

Need some advice with an older crab apple that hasn't been cared for in a long time, by the looks of it.

The tree is covered in what I thought was scale but seems to be something else now that I have a hi-res pic. I did see major aphid issues last summer. Thoughts?

There's clear, and orange ooze coming out of random spots in the bark. Could be cytospora or borer holes, not sure at all.

A number of the crotches have what looks like black soot lumps on them. Looks like sooty mold fungus, the aphids probably had a major contributor to this problem.

My treatment for just about every tree disease is: Cut out the infected part.

The simplicity is reminiscent of Gary Larson's take on equine medicine:

I've had that thought but that means pretty close to the ground...

The ooze looks like it may be borers - Michael Phillips has a good discussion:


The bumps I haven't seen before - kind of reminds me of sapsucker damage, but seems too random.

If growth is good. I would try to encourage it and maybe spray compost tea a bit more..

Thanks guys

Well, I've got those same bumps, but I can find anything about them anywhere

I will be a courteous as possible with my reply, because I'm very passionate about plant health.

If you leave your plant to try to heal the effected area, even with homeopathic treatments, it's a crap shoot as to whether or not it will survive. If you are serious about saving the life of this plant, it is best to do a drastic trimming of all effected areas, and burn the bad wood. Then, water, fertilize, and mulch around your plant to the original drip line of the plant/tree(the outer most extension of the canopy from the trunk or main spar.

Mulching is very important to:
1. Aids in water retention
2. Acts as a slow-release fertilizer
3. Prevents weeds from growing
4. Prevents competition for water and nutrients by preventing growth of weeds

Additionally, I have noticed in my 5 years of gardening that when I properly fertilize my plants, it invigorates them to prevent pest infiltration and disease, without the need for pesticides or chemical treatments.

Moreover, I have noticed that when something is diseased, it attracts more pests and more diseases, as if nature itself is forcing itself upon me to destroy my fletchling garden! I believe it is possibly vibrational. That dead and dying things attract other things that will help kill it, to complete the life cycle.

I hope this helps and I wish you the best!
Regards,
Mark Steagall
Owner of Mowers&Growers
928-641-8565

Call me for a garden consultation.