Sticky droppings from tree - Ask Extension
Hello! We get these sticky droppings from a tree in the spring. They stick to shoes, kids and pets. Please identify (poplar?) and tell us about it. I...
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Sticky droppings from tree #791065
Asked May 16, 2022, 2:11 PM EDT
Hello! We get these sticky droppings from a tree in the spring. They stick to shoes, kids and pets. Please identify (poplar?) and tell us about it. Is this just a mess we have to contend with each year or is there a problem with the tree we should address? Pictures below. Thank you!
Kalamazoo County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello Colleen,
We had an earlier question a few days ago on this very subject. MSU Extension’s Diane Brady identified them as coming from the cottonwood tree.
We had an earlier question a few days ago on this very subject. MSU Extension’s Diane Brady identified them as coming from the cottonwood tree.
“These appear to be the seed husks from a nearby cottonwood. These trees bud out in early spring and then as the seeds ripen, the brown resinous leaf-bud scales are shed and stick to your shoes and dog's feet. While messy for a while they will eventually dry up and not be as sticky. You could possibly rake them up in the areas where you walk. .
These [husks] may be coming from a tree in your yard or somewhere in your neighborhood. See how to identify a cottonwood tree from the link below. Hope that helps.”
https://snr.unl.edu/data/trees/identification/basictree.aspx?sid=71
https://dendro.cnre.vt.edu/dendrology/syllabus/factsheet.cfm?ID=64
