Sticky substance raining down Tulip Poplar trees in Ohio isn’t sap; the real answer is pretty gross

BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio (WTRF) — People who enjoy sitting in the shade of their tulip poplar tree are noticing something disturbing this summer.

In Belmont County, they’re calling their OSU Extension agent and reporting that some sort of sap is raining down out of their tree.

Dan Lima has the answer, and it’s even more disturbing!

It isn’t sap.

It’s the excrement of an insect called the Tulip Tree Scale, which is being seen a lot this year due to last year’s mild winter.

The female will basically cement herself onto a branch and will feed through the sap of a tree, filtering out the sap and expelling it out the other side causing what’s called honeydew which is a sticky substance that will basically look like it’s misting off the tree.”

Dan Lima, OSU Extension Educator, Belmont County

Lima says, in plain language, it’s pretty gross.

He says many homeowners have Tulip poplar trees because they’re fast-growing and provide a lot of shade.

He says there are three different ways to get rid of the Tuliptree Scale.

All three involve insecticide, and one can only be done by a professional–either a tree service or landscaping company.

To find out more, call your local county extension office.

In Belmont County, that number is (740) 695-1455.

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