If a pine tree is oozing sap & a few low branches are dead does this indicate the tree is at risk of falling?

Question

I have a large pine tree in my yard and I'm concerned over the safety of it. A few of the lower branches are dead, but most of the tree is full of green needles. There is also sap oozing from it. A tree person told me the sap was an indicator that the tree should be cut down. Not sure if this was legitimate advice or not since he was soliciting his tree cutting service.

Answer 1

Sap ooze is normal.  Cut off the dead wood next to the trunk.  The tree is definitely not going to fall!  Go out 3 feet from the trunk and make a hole about 8 inches deep and fill it with powdered sulfur (aka flowers of sulfur).  Sulfur is an acid that pines love.  Cover the hole with the removed soil.  Many-many-many years ago, the American Indians chewed tree sap like chewing gum.  Personally, I don't like the taste.

Answer 2

I would guess your good for one more year anyway........I had one like that and it was full of ants........in the middle.......we found them when we layed it down. Good luck........hopefully you have a nice fireplace or wood stove.

Answer 3

Lower branches will die naturally on most pines, allowing the top growth to flourish.  But what concerns me is the sap, as that's normally an indicator of a borrowing pine bark beetle.  These beetles will infest pines that have already weakened from drought or other eonvironmental factors.

Remove the dead branches and look closely at your pine.  Where are the sap holes?  If the entire tree is sapping, that is not good.  

If you are using a tree cutting service, look for one that advertises "certified arborist" as one of those actually took some training in identifying tree diseases, vs one that only cuts down trees because he's got all the tough equipment.

BTW, pine needles are a great mulch for acid-loving plants.

Answer 4

Connie G is right.  A few lower branches dying is normal but oozing sap is not.  A pine tree will produce sap on any wound.  It is the tree's "scab".  Get some help to check for pine bark beetles.  A heavy infestation can kill a big tree in a few weeks.  Insecticides are usually most effective as a preventative but if you catch it early you may be able to save the tree.  Certainly don't cut it until someone other than a tree cutter offers advice.