I have a Saskatoon/Serviceberry tree that is 5-7 years old and recently it started to bleed (literally, bright red) on the trunk. I don’t want to lose the tree, so how can I fix this. I’m afraid ants or other bugs will inhibit the tree and eventually kill it. It’s always been a good producer of fruit. Thanks for your kind advice.
I’m sorry to hear that your Serviceberry (Amelanchier sp.) has a problem with oozing sap. Serviceberries are one of my favourite small, native trees. Without a photo of the area in question, it is very difficult to pinpoint a cause. If would be helpful for you to look at the entire tree. Does it appear healthy? Does it have any branches with damaged bark or holes; any tips of branches that look dead or black; any leaves with yellow, orange or brown spots; any wounds or holes on the trunk; any areas of discoloured or wettish bark on branches or trunk?
There are a number of fungal and bacterial diseases that can cause sap to ooze. Sap leaking from a canker or lesion could indicate a Phytophthora pathogen. If the sap is initially frothy and whitish, then dark and bad-smelling, it could indicate Bacterial wetwood, or slimeflux. If you see small 1/4″ holes near the base of the trunk at the site with oozing sap, it could indicate a pest such as the Roundheaded Apple Tree Borer (Saperda candida).
Ants or insects such as bees and wasps may be attracted to the leaking sap but will not cause further damage to your tree.
I would suggest that you contact a certified arborist to help identify the problem with your tree. You can find one at Trees are Good.
I’m sorry I can’t be more specific. I hope you find a solution.