How to Stop a Tree From Dripping Sap

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J

It’s not uncommon for certain types of trees to drip sap. The hardwood maple, for example, is known for its sweet and savory sap, which is used to make syrup and sweeteners.

The softwood pine also produces sap, though it’s more bitter and not intended for human consumption.

Whether you have a maple, pine or any tree dripping sap on your lawn, though, you might be wondering how to stop it.

Prune the Tree

In some cases, you can stop a tree from dripping sap by pruning it. Using a pair of sharp gardening shears, cut off any small branches that are dripping sap.

It’s recommended that you prune trees during the spring or fall. When done during the summer or winter, pruning may stress the tree or even kill it.

So, wait until the spring or fall to prune any trees in your landscape that are dripping sap.

Apply a Pruning Sealant

Pruning alone won’t necessarily stop a tree from dripping sap. If you simply cut off a branch that’s dripping sap, the tree will likely continue to drip sap from the area where you cut it.

There’s an easy solution for this problem, however: pruning sealant. Available at most home improvement stores, pruning sealant is used to seal wounds on trees. It’s available in both spray aerosol cans as well as brush-applied liquid.

Using either type, you can seal the parts of the tree where you’ve pruned branches. Once the pruning sealant has dried, the tree won’t be able to drip sap from the areas where you pruned it.

Apply an Insecticide

It’s also a good idea to use an insecticide on any tree that’s dripping sap.

Why is this necessary?

Well, countless pests feast on the nutrient-rich sap. And if you allow these pests to go unchecked, they’ll bore deep holes into the tree, causing it to drip even more sap.

Neem oil is an excellent, safe and all-natural insecticide that works wonders on trees. Just spray a solution of diluted neem oil over the tree, at which point it will remain protected from most common pests.

Be Patient

Aside from pruning, sealing and using an insecticide, there’s not much else that you can do to stop a tree from dripping sap. Rather, you should remain patient while waiting for the tree to stop dripping.

Assuming you’ve pruned the dripping branch or branches – and you’ve applied a pruning sealant over the newly created wounds – it should stop dripping sap eventually.

In the meantime, consider removing any outdoor furniture or accessories underneath the tree so that they aren’t exposed to the sap.

The Woodsman Company offers tree planting, tree pruning and shrub trimming, tree removal and stump grinding as well as a tree wellness program.

If we can help with any of your tree care needs give us a call at 512-846-2535 or 512-940-0799 or

Request a Quote / Schedule an Appointment

The post How to Stop a Tree From Dripping Sap appeared first on Woodsman Tree Service.