How to Stop a Pecan Tree from Sapping

Yes, how to stop a pecan tree from sapping is the exact wording of the requested article, so here it is. A more accurate title would be how to treat a pecan tree for aphids. This sticky substance that drips from the pecan trees in late summer and early fall is sticky and it does feel a little like sap. In fact it is caused by yellow aphids feeding on the leaves of the pecan tree. As they suck the juice out of the leaves they secrete a sticky, sugary substance. If you have a bad infestation of aphids your pecan tree literally drips this substance.

Some sources say this sugary substance doesn’t harm the surfaces it drips on and doesn’t harm the tree, so treating a large pecan tree isn’t practical. Home owners who have to cope with this sticky substance on their cars, driveways, and lawn furniture will disagree, and many go to great lengths to prevent their pecan trees from dripping on everything even if it is only for a few months in the fall.

In years past, spraying pecan trees with insecticide was the only remedy to the sticky sap and a homeowner usually doesn’t have a sprayer large enough or powerful enough to effectively spray a large pecan tree. It was necessary to call in a professional to do the spraying and that gets expensive considering that the insecticide has to be applied several times at 10 to 12 day intervals to be effective. Now there’s an easier way.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tree and Shrub solution
• 3 liter watering can
• tape measure

1. Measure the circumference of your tree at a height of four feet above the ground. You’ll need this measurement to know how much product you’ll need to treat your tree.

2. Buy a jug of tree and shrub solution from you local garden center. The label will tell you how many ounces of the product to use for each inch of circumference.

3. Measure the amount of tree and shrub solution indicated into a 3 liter watering can and finish filling the can with water.

4. Pour the mixture on the ground at the base of the tree trunk.

5. Fill the watering can with plain water and pour it on the ground over the tree and shrub mixture. There. That wasn't hard at all was it?
   
   Depending on the size of the tree you should see results in a week to three months. This application will last for 12 months and protect your tree not only from aphids, but from all manner of sucking insects that are known to infest trees.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure you get an accurate measurement of your tree
• Be sure you use as much tree and shrub solution as the label calls for. Without the proper amount of product you may not see the results you expected.

Resources

• Holland Gardens

[thebeaddoodler]

on 10/9/2009 I was finally able to edit the article and it reads correctly now.

[drenee]

on 10/9/2009 I was just on twitter and hit you uP!

[thebeaddoodler]

on 9/3/2009 Sorry about step 5. I haven't been able to edit this article because of a glitch in the system. Step 5 should be fill the three liter watering can with plain water and pour over the same area you poured the mixture. This step is very important.