We have a Deodar Cedar tree that I love, except for the sap that drops every year. Is that common/healthy in this tree and is there anything I can do to reduce the sap? We have lived with the tree for 6.5 years and it seems that this problem only began in the last few years. The sap seems to drop in the hot summer heat. Since we do not have a garage this causes problems on the cars and looks unsightly on the driveway and flagstone. Is there anything you can suggest?

teresa.cahalan@autodesk.com

Unfortunately, this is normal for the tree, and there is little that you can do to stop it. Many coniferous trees drop sap from the cones as they grow and mature (the sap keeps insects from eating into the cones). You could also check to see if the tree has a problem with aphids or scale. These tiny insects may feed on the needles or twigs, and excrete tiny drops of “honey dew”, which is sticky like the sap.

Perhaps a little bit of judicious pruning can alleviate the problem a bit, but as long as the tree is near the drive, there will likely be some problem with the sap.