Red Ice flowing from Maple

[vinkandy]

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One of my maples is a large 4'+ diameter and it has a section of the tree that's looking old. I went out Friday morning to collect sap and this giant red icicle was seeping right out of the tree.

Does anyone know what this is or what causes it?

Thanks.

[Run Forest Run!]

That looks so cool! You must have been surprised when that was awaiting you.

[psparr]

Rot in the tree is my guess. I tapped a tree in a bad spot a few years ago and it ran sap that looked right like maple syrup.

[saphound]

I agree...gotta be hollow. Maybe there's a big ol mama coon livin in there, ha. J/k

[psparr]

I agree...gotta be hollow. Maybe there's a big ol mama coon livin in there, ha. J/k

Was a big ol mama coon.

[Super Sapper]

Must have nicked the "vein" when you tapped. Just kidding, I agree with the rot theory.

[DrTimPerkins]

Does anyone know what this is or what causes it?

Probably bacterial growth. Maybe fungal.

[blissville maples]

staining from the older wrotten wood inside, reddish tint is similar to commercial color sometimes that ive seen