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The Daily Insight

What is the sticky stuff falling from oak trees?

Author

David Jones

Published May 31, 2026

What is the sticky stuff falling from oak trees?

As these insects feed on the sugary sap of the oak tree, they excrete tiny droplets of a sugary substance called honeydew. This is likely the sticky substance that is falling from your oak.

Why is my tree dripping black stuff?

That “black stuff” is the result of a bacterial infection called Wetwood or Slime Flux. These particular bacteria thrive in anaerobic (low oxygen) conditions present in the dense interior hardwood. The leaking fluid is a food source causing Insects, fungi, and other bacteria to further infest trees wetwood.

Why are the leaves on my oak tree turning black?

This bacterial disease attacks oak trees, resulting in a sticky, thick liquid dripping from leaves, acorns and twigs. Drippy oak may occur after the bacteria enters through wounds caused by the filbertworm, cynipid gall wasp, filbert weevil or honeydew-producing insects.

Why is my live oak tree dripping sticky stuff?

Aphid insects are another possibility. As these insects feed on the sugary sap of the oak tree, they excrete tiny droplets of a sugary substance called honeydew. This is likely the sticky substance that is falling from your oak. You could have a licensed arborist check the tree and treat the pest appropriately.

What kind of tree has black spots on the bark?

Oaks (Quercus spp.) are a large genus of deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs found throughout U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 10. Oak trees are susceptible to several diseases, including those that cause oozing black spots on the bark to appear.

Why does my oak tree have honeydew on it?

As these insects feed on the sugary sap of the oak tree, they excrete tiny droplets of a sugary substance called honeydew. This is likely the sticky substance that is falling from your oak. You could have a licensed arborist check the tree and treat the pest appropriately.

This bacterial disease attacks oak trees, resulting in a sticky, thick liquid dripping from leaves, acorns and twigs. Drippy oak may occur after the bacteria enters through wounds caused by the filbertworm, cynipid gall wasp, filbert weevil or honeydew-producing insects.

Aphid insects are another possibility. As these insects feed on the sugary sap of the oak tree, they excrete tiny droplets of a sugary substance called honeydew. This is likely the sticky substance that is falling from your oak. You could have a licensed arborist check the tree and treat the pest appropriately.

Oaks (Quercus spp.) are a large genus of deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs found throughout U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 10. Oak trees are susceptible to several diseases, including those that cause oozing black spots on the bark to appear.

What to do about black mold on oak trees?

Prune infected branches from the oak tree and applying fertilizer in spring after the rainy season ends and the leaves are open can both help. Black sooty mold is several strains of fungus triggered by honeydew, a sticky substance secreted by common garden pests. This sticky substance encourages the growth of fungus that causes black sooty mold.