Question
Is there something I can or should be doing to slow/stop excessive sap from our Maple tree?  It is so bad that we need to wash our cars just about every day.  Any advise will be appreciated.

Thanks!
Ric
Maume, OH

Answer
Check to see if the leaves are sticky. If so the problem is an insect called aphids. These soft bodied insects suck the plant juices and excrete a substance called honeydew, a liquid high in sugar content. A black sooty mold will grow on the honeydew turning things a black color. To control the honeydew you will have to spray the aphids with an insecticide. If so apply an insecticide called Bayer Advanced Tree and Shrub Insect Control around the tree. The roots will take the insecticide to the branches and leaves and when the aphids suck the plant juices they will be killed. This will take a week or so to kill the insects. Here is a web link to this product. check with your local garden type store for this product. http://www.bayeradvanced.com/tree-shrub-care/products/12-month-tree-shrub-insect...