Little Leaf Linden Is Dropping Sticky Sap

Question From: R. Bevins - Peabody, Massachusetts, United States
Q: My Little leaf linden is 30 years old and for the first time is dropping a sticky sap - which turns black and needs to be scrubbed to be removed.- It is all over my jades, hydrangeas, grass and furniture- I have had an arborist come in and he has never seen anything like this from a linden- the leaves are still on the tree and I am having a regular pruning scheduled.

A: My guess is your tree is infested with linden aphids that give off a sticky substance that is then attacked by black mold. This is a pretty common problem. I suggest you might get a second opinion. To find a certified arborist in your area go to www.tcia.org and enter your zip code. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy