Sticky ground below elm tree - Ask Extension
Hello - we have a beautiful big elm tree in our front yard but the driveway and walkway under it is very sticky and the stickiness must be coming from...
Knowledgebase
Sticky ground below elm tree #870734
Asked May 30, 2024, 11:02 AM EDT
Hello - we have a beautiful big elm tree in our front yard but the driveway and walkway under it is very sticky and the stickiness must be coming from the elm tree. Is this normal?
Wright County Minnesota
Expert Response
The stickiness on your driveway could be caused by scale insects. They create a 'honeydew' that will likely be present on the leaves of your tree. If your tree has scale will also notice bumpy like spots on the trunk or branches. Some scale on a tree is not harmful, however, if they multiply they can cause decline of tree.
Treatment for scale is best accomplished when the insects are in the 'crawler' stage. With a tree your size diagnosis and treatment is best done by an expert. I would recommend you contact a local tree care company and ask for an arborist to come do an evaluation. The arborist will be able to confirm if your tree has scale.
Below is a link with information about scale and trees.
https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/scale-insects
Treatment for scale is best accomplished when the insects are in the 'crawler' stage. With a tree your size diagnosis and treatment is best done by an expert. I would recommend you contact a local tree care company and ask for an arborist to come do an evaluation. The arborist will be able to confirm if your tree has scale.
Below is a link with information about scale and trees.
https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/scale-insects
