Question
Hi, my very large and very old juniper has developed a clear drippy substance on the tips.  What is this and how can I treat it?  Thank you, Janet

Answer
Hi Janet:
If this substance is clear and sticky, then it may be a substance called honeydew. Honeydew gives the leaves a shiny appearance. Honeydew is the excretement of various insects and leads to the growth of a black covering of a fungus called "sooty mold".  This black stuff will rub off the leaves with a wet paper towel or wet finger.  To control this stick stuff and also sooty mold on your plant, you will need to control the insect(s) that is producing this stuff.

If you actually see drops stuck on the twigs, then this may be resin, a plant exudate that comes out of a wound that is made on the plant- it is a wound response.  The resin is thicker than syrup. Wounds can be caused by various things including some insects.

Regards
Steve