Coastal Redwood - black spots/sap

[Trebor]

Hello, I noticed a couple black/sappy spots on the trunk of my coastal redwood and--because they looked odd to me--I wanted to see if knowledgeable people could tell me what it is/if it's anything to worry about. My wishful thinking is that the trunk is just expanding, but who knows. Otherwise, the tree appears to be healthy and happy to me. It's the second winter I've had it. Was repotted earlier this year. Spends the winter in a sunroom on our rooftop (Cincinnati, OH). I mist it every other day or so and has plenty of new buds popping. Happy to provide any other info needed and appreciate anyone taking the time to read this. Thanks, Rob.

 

[MrWunderful]

Hard to tell from the pictures but the little black dots look like they might be spider mites

 

[Leo in N E Illinois]

Try spraying with neem oil. Neem is broad spectrum anti-feedant and also has a fungicidal effect. Also follow up or alternate with an insecticidal soap labeled for spider mites. That way you cover all possibilities.

 

[Leo in N E Illinois]

My throw everything at it approach, neem plus or alternate with a miticide, means I'm not sure what you got

 

[Trebor]

Thanks so much. I did the white paper test (my understanding is this is how you see if you have spider mites) and did see ONE little spot crawling around. I also tore a piece of the moss growing on the surface and saw a couple little bugs crawling around but nothing crazy. I'm not sure if this will change any of the above advice (which i greatly appreciate), but let me know if it does!

I'm assuming if I should address this sooner than later. Also that it is not a huge issue unless whatever is at issue gets out of hand. (?)

 

[Leo in N E Illinois]

Addressing this sooner, will help keep the problem a vague problem. Ignoring it, things may progress to the point of being easy to diagnose, which is potentially disastrous for the tree.

Low level problems can be treated with mild chemicals like neem and miticide type soaps. Wait and you might have to reach for more toxic chemicals.

 

[Trebor]

Update. It looks like some sort of boring larvae to me. I've read on the forums to poke the thing and seal with cut paste. Can anyone confirm if I'm on the right track and how much trouble the tree is in?

 

[MrWunderful]

Is it just me or is there a big maggot looking thing in there?

 

[62veedub]

That’s a great little Redwood. That nasty alien like thing needs to go, get it before it explodes out the other side!

 

[Trebor]

Is it just me or is there a big maggot looking thing in there?

Gross right!? I stabbed it a bunch with a needle and will try to get it out, spray it with some insecticide and seal it with cut paste. It didn't move or anything, and didn't feel alive, but what do i know?

 

[Trebor]

That’s a great little Redwood. That nasty alien like thing needs to go, get it before it explodes out the other side!

Thanks! Yeah, it's had a long enough journey as far as I"m concerned.