Plum tree canker?

[Farmer_Gyles]

Noticed today a brown "goo" on the trunk of my small plum tree
Is this canker?
If so, looks like the whole tree needs cutting down and burning .......
Would it be safe / ok to plant a new plum tree next to the old one?

[TPeers]

Looks like it is just gumming - something damaged the bark and this is the equivelent of a plaster.

I'd give it a while before you reach for an axe!

Terry

[Palustris]

I would agree with that diagnosis. Our Damson trees weep like that every time the woodpeckers have been at them!

[Farmer_Gyles]

cheers for advice - i'll leave it for now and see what happens - i know we've got woodpeckers here ....
i hope it's nothing serious cos we like plums .... and there are hundreds of plums on the tree ........