Hickory weeping sap, blotchy leaves

[NIJA]

Hello, new to the forums here.
We have a mature shagbark hickory tree that has had a spot on the bark that has been weeping what looks like a very dark, almost black sap for at least a couple years now. Tree seems healthy but the leaves this fall are fairly blotchy. We do have occasional tent caterpillar infestations too. Picture attached. Can anyone diagnose this, or at least explain the "sap" issue in the attached photo? Thanks!

 

[mrtree]

Looks more like some sort of weeping than a Hypoxolon issue. Perhaps a bleeding canker?

 

[JD3000]

Gross. a bleeding canker sounds right. How bout some more pics Nija? Pics of the root flair and canopy could help.

Leaf blotch could be downy leaf spot (not to be confused with downy mildew), phyllosticta, septoria, cercospora, etc leaf spots. Usually not a huge concern. Exception to this could be if the leaf discoloration/blotches is due to vascular disruption caused by the potential cankering we see in the pic.

 

[guymayor]

Carefully turn away dead material, rinse, and inspect. By the looks of the orange tissue, the tree is making a very good response, and will probably close the wound. Removing the dead gunk will give the tree and advantage over whatever organism there is, if it is a pathogen at all, which Does not seem likely.