Noticed this thick, amber-colored jelly oozing out of the trunk of my cherry tree. It feels squishy and looks like some kind of alien sap or slime. Does anybody know what this thing is?

Pathogens are another common cause of gummosis. Fungal infections such as Cytospora canker can invade the tree through wounds or natural openings in the bark, leading to gumming. These fungi thrive in wet conditions and can be exacerbated by poor air circulation around the tree.

Bacterial canker, caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas syringae, is another culprit. It typically infects trees during cool, wet conditions and can cause significant gumming. These pathogens weaken the tree and can lead to more serious health issues if not addressed promptly.