Any tree experts in?

[cuthbert]

Hello everyone,

Below are some pictures of a tree that's in my parent's garden.

I'm afraid I have no idea what it is, but over the last few months (this year really), the trunk has started to ooze this black stuff out of some holes that have appeared.

I've photographed the leaves to help identify the tree (sorry, only had my phone with me) and as you can see, most of the leaves have dropped off and gone brown or are starting to go brown.

It used to be an incredibly dense tree, my kids would occasionally climb up it and you'd barely be able to see them... now it's not far off bare. I think the tree is an evergreen.

the question is, what is wrong with the tree?

do we need to get it out asap to stop whatever is wrong with it spreading to anything else? (nothing else seems affected at the moment)

and... mostly like not, but will it recover if we leave for a year, or is it dead?


any pointers/advice really appreciated.

 

[OldCarlos]

Could be Slime Flux, or even Phytophthora Ramorum (sudden oak/larch die back) ?

 

[Tori_T]

Okay, from the photos, I think it's a Bird Cherry.
The disease looks like bacterial canker; if it is, with the heavy infection apparent on the main trunk, there's not a lot you can do.
A tree surgeon may be able to offer some advice/help, or remove the tree if it's too far gone.

ETA: The recommended treatment for canker was Bordeaux Mixture, but that was withdrawn from sale in 2015, due to toxicity issues, however, it's still available on ebay from mainland Europe, and the raw ingredients can also be bought from there.