Water Falling From a Tulip Tree?

Question:

My friend's Tulip tree drops sprinkles like a light rain. Not all the time just 2 or 3 times a summer. Could you please tell me what could be causing this?

Hardiness Zone: 7a

Sassy from Trilla, IL

Answer:

Sassy,

Your friend's tulip tree has an aphid problem, which is typical for this type of tree. Tulip trees are lovely to look at, but famous for developing "aphid drip." The "sprinkles of rain" you're seeing is actually the tree dripping honeydew; a sticky substance secreted by the aphids as they suck the sap from the tree's leaves and flowers. If you touch some of the grass under your friend's tree, you'll probably find that it's sticky. Honeydew can make a real mess, especially on roofs, outdoor furniture and your car.

Aphids can complete several life cycles in a season so the drips probably start about the time populations are at their peak. If her tree is large, it probably won't suffer serious damage from the aphids, but it will suffer a loss of vigor as a result of losing sap. The problem is that aphid honeydew attracts sooty mold, which can spread to other plants and trees.

The mold is not only unsightly, but it can restrict photosynthesis. The aphids themselves attract other unwanted insect pests, and they can reduce the tree's vigor and stunt its growth if populations get out of control.

Unfortunately, controlling aphids on these types of trees can be difficult and how your friend tackles the problem will depend on how big her tree is. A lot can be accomplished just by spraying the tree down regularly with a forceful stream of water from the garden hose. Since this sounds like it's an ongoing problem, she may want to seek a combination of biological and chemical controls. Releasing ladybug beetles, pirate bugs or parasitic wasps will all help control populations. She may also want to consider spraying her tree with any one of a number of organic insectidal soaps.

Ellen