Question
Hello Kathy:

I planted a grapefruit seed almost 20 years ago, and it has grown into a nice healthy tree about 8' tall. Recently, over the past year, it has begun to 'sweat.' The leaves give off a clear liquid which dries into a white flaky substance which washes off. I tasted it, it's sweet w/ a vaguely grapefruit flavor, but mostly just sweet. It's water soluble, so I just wipe it off the floor w/ a rag, but I'm wondering if my tree is diseased, and what can be done about it.
Yes, it has scale, although I've been fairly diligent in keeping it clean. I don't know, I'm not the expert, but I think the scale came from a species of tree-ants we have in western Washington. They farm the scale on the trees, and were exposed when I put the tree outside this last summer. I put it outside so the rain would wash off the sweat, which it did, but it's come back.
Is there anything I can do?

Answer
Hi John,  The scale sucks the liquid out of the leaves of the plants.  Your tree is unhappy and there is help that will make your tree healthy so the bugs leave it alone.  It will also clean off the leaves, being made from food  is another plus.  Check out Atomic Grow which I use on my plants and the results will amaze you.  kathy