Question
I have a 45+ yr old maple in my yard and this is the first year it has white cottony spots on some of the lower branches or at least that we can see, it also is sapping allot where our deck has become very sticky to walk on. We are concerned because the tree is very large and close to house and garage. What to do to take care of this problem?

Answer
Sounds like cottony aphid or scale insects. Aphids will move if touched and the scale will not move. Both do the same thing --they suck the plant juices from the plant and secrete a substance called honeydew that is high in sugar content and sticky. Both are controlled using an insecticide called Bayer Advanced tree and shrub insect control. This is applied to the soil around the tree and the roots will carry it to the stems and foliage and when the insects suck the plant juice they are killed. It will take a couple of weeks to reach the upper parts of the tree since it takes time for the insecticide to be transported into the tree crown. This will control for the entire season. Here is a web link to this product--check with your local garden type store for this. http://www.bayeradvanced.com/tree-shrub-care/products/12-month-tree-shrub-insect...