Weeping Willow Problem

I have a large weeping willow - probably around 35 years old.
Recently splits have appeared in the bark a few feet up from ground level. They are a few inches long and are leaking a sticky fluid which attracts tiny flies in their thousands.
The trunk sounds hollow near the splits as if the bark is pulling away from the tree itself.
Any thoughts or suggestions would be much appreciated.

 

Hi Derek,

Sounds like you've got some sort of bark necrosis going on there, possible caused by a fungal or bacterial infection. Check out this link: http://www.gardenerscorner.co.uk/forum/threads/tree-health-diagnosis-a-self-help-guide.14478/ then come back with some photos of the tree, close-ups of the wounding, and some pics of the area in which the tree stands. Maybe we can help you out a bit further then.

Cheers,
Matthew