I would have to say call arborguard immediately. This sounds like beetle damage to me. I think you would need to tree treated annually. I have had beetle damage in several trees in one spot, finally I had to just realize no trees there! Crazy, but the beetles would find it every time.
Call and get them out to see,

I agree it should be looked at. Might be slime flux. Not a good sign - I think it can indicate stress.

Here is a link that might be useful: Slime flux

Is that who everyone recommends for arborist locally?

We have a sweet gum in the front yard that's at least 4' around, probably a good 40-50 years old or moreand it's been dropping huge branches week after week, and it seems like all the growth is toward the trunk with all the peripheral branches being dead...figured we should have it looked at.

oops, arborgard is a treatment!

does anyone have a suggestion for a local arborist? this tree could fall and kill any number of people, and it's huge. i just want to make sure it's healthy. it's dropping branches left and right.

My understanding is that trees die from the outside branches in.

That said, your city or county may have an arborist who can tell you whether there is an hope for your tree.

My back yard is now filled with branches of the willow that got cut down yesterday. So sad to lose it. It offered a wonderful place for picnics and climbing, plus looked great from the house. Feel it died because of lack of water in the past two years - something I couldn't do anything about with the restrictions.

Rosie, in Sugar Hill

Satellite - actually, Arborguard - or gard - is the name of the company. I like them. They are pricey, but quite knowledgeable.
Hey - have you tried calling the county extension office? They are always helpful!
Esh - thanks for the link on slime flux. There is certainly something going on with the tree. New fungal growth at the base now. I am noticing that many of the trees (dying trees) in nearby yards have fungus issues. I don't know if the fungus is attracted to the trees because they are dying -- or if the fungus is the cause of the death.... I hope it's not something spreading underground. Hmmmmm. Tree Mysteries!

I haven't called the local extension office.

COA Arborists don't exactly have a reputation for accuracy. I've read about 4 people within a mile of my house (SAND neighborhoods) having 4 separate trees certified "healthy" by a COA Arborist. Two fell down on houses. One was appealed by the homeowner because another arborist said the tree (a pine) was in irreparable shape. The fourth one has been denied by the city (from one of the earlier owners that had a similar tree fall on their house), even though another (non-COA) arborist deemed it as dead/dying/unhealthy.

I swear, the COA has a racket going on. They tell you "no" the first time so you hafta pay an additional fee so you can appeal it, and they say "yes" the second time around.

I'd prefer to talk to a non-city arborist first, get an assessment, then call one of COA's folks. I'm sure I'll need to appeal the decision (knowing my luck), and the tree will certainly cost a good $1500+ to take down due to its 50' tall stature, three huge trunks, and base easily having an 18" radius.

I was unaware there was any cure for Ambrosia Bettles once they have infested a tree. Aren't they the ones that bore holes and push the sawdust out like little worms?

what you have is slime flux, and it's bacterial, not fungal. Here's a link.

Here is a link that might be useful: Slime Flux