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Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

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Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

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Sunday - July 22, 2012

From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Pests, Trees
Title: Sticky material dripping from tree in Austin
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

The tree in my backyard is dripping what I surmise is sap - a thick,fdrake1@ sticky substance in July. What kind of tree is it and is there anything one can do prevent this from happening? Thank you for your help!

ANSWER:

Please read this previous answer on aphids. We have no idea what your tree is, aphids attack everything and they seem to be unusually bad this year in Austin.
 

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