Acer glabrum Sticky Leaves - Causes & Fixes

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Aphid Infestation

Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that pierce the leaf tissue of Acer glabrum to suck out sap, excreting a sugary substance called honeydew. This residue creates the characteristic sticky film on the leaf surfaces.

Very Common

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How to confirm: Inspect the undersides of the leaves for tiny, green or black moving insects.

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1 Apply an organic insecticide to eliminate the aphid population and stop the production of honeydew.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

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2 Wash the sticky residue off the leaves using a gentle stream of water or a soft cloth to prevent fungal growth.

3 Inspect the undersides of leaves and new growth regularly to ensure no new pests have emerged.

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Scale Insects

Scale insects attach themselves to the stems and leaf veins of the Rocky Mountain Maple, feeding on sap and secreting honeydew. Unlike aphids, these pests often look like small, stationary bumps or bumps on the bark.

Very Common

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How to confirm: Check for small, waxy, or hard bumps on the petioles and woody stems of the tree.

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1 Apply an organic insecticide spray to the tree to kill the scale insects and remove the sticky honeydew residue.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$10

In Stock

2 Physically remove visible scale bumps from the stems and bark using a soft brush or cloth to reduce the infestation.

3 Monitor the tree regularly with a fine inspection to ensure no new scale insects are developing on the bark or leaf veins.

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Sooty Mold Development

While not a direct cause of stickiness, sooty mold is a fungus that grows on the honeydew left behind by sap-sucking insects. The presence of black, powdery coating often accompanies the sticky sensation.

Common

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How to confirm: Look for a black, velvety layer covering the leaves that can be wiped off easily with a damp cloth.

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1 Identify and treat the underlying sap-sucking insects (such as aphids or scale) using an organic insecticide to stop the production of honeydew.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$10

In Stock

2 Gently wash the leaves with a soft cloth or a mild horticultural soap solution to remove the black sooty mold coating and restore photosynthesis.

Bonide Captain Jack's Insecticidal Super Soap 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

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3 Monitor soil moisture levels to ensure the tree is not under environmental stress, which can make it more susceptible to pest infestations.

GROWIT Soil Moisture Meter - Blue

Water Meters

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Leafhopper Damage

Leafhoppers feed on the sap of Acer glabrum, which can result in honeydew excretion. They are much more mobile than aphids and can cause spotting in addition to stickiness.

Common

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How to confirm: Gently shake a branch over a white sheet of paper to see if small, jumping insects emerge.

build How to fix it

shopping_cart Recommended Products

1 Apply an organic insecticide to eliminate the leafhopper population and stop the excretion of honeydew.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$10

In Stock

2 Wash the leaves with a gentle stream of water to remove the sticky residue and prevent the growth of sooty mold.

3 Monitor the plant closely using a sticky trap to catch any remaining mobile leafhoppers.