Posted by Marcia Hyer on August 8, 2007

Q: our neighborhood is covered in sap my lawn furniture my trees leaves my fences my ground cemete everything is sticky and I was wondering why I am 67 and have never seen so much sap on so many things plants are covered with it. It is the middle of Aug and I wonder if you could tell me what it is. Also how can I get it off will just water do it my glass table is a mess

State: Kansas

A: I'm pretty sure I know what your "sap problem" is Marcia. It isn't sap dropping directly from the trees but a sugary substance dropping from aphids. Aphids are small insects that suck sap from leaves or stems, and their excrement is what is falling to the ground. Sounds to me that you have lots and lots of aphids this year. You may have heard of ants "farming" aphids for the honeydew they produce? Well, this honeydew is merely a sugary, excrement that has passed through the insect. When the aphid numbers are high, enough of this "sap" reaches the ground to be noticeable. I certainly don't recommend using any insecticides but I'd be sure your trees aren't stressed with a lack of water this year.

I found a nice site that discusses this problem in Texas that may help you. Check out www.plano.gov

Thanks for asking and I hope your problem is soon over.

John Wiessinger ( August 9, 2007)