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Dealing with sticky tree seeds

02founder.lees02founder.lees Posts: 2
in Problem solving

I have a large tree on my boundary which I really like. But the last two years it’s started producing very sticky seeds (image attached). They get everywhere and are difficult to remove from decking and artificial grass (garden elevations meant I couldn’t have normal grass :( ).


I’m not sure why it’s just started doing it (have been here for approaching 15 years). There was a lot of Ivy on my neighbours side, which he cleared a couple of years ago. Perhaps that was holding the tree back before.


Any help/advice greatly appreciated.


Posts

  • CeresCeres Posts: 2,698
    Welcome to the forum.
    Seeds like that aren't normally sticky but they could be covered in honeydew from aphids on the leaves. Have a close look at the leaves to see if there are small insects on them.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Your tree is a maple/sycamore, and is just doing what they do - producing flowers and seeds. As @Ceres has said, there will be sticky residue from aphids on foliage and probably elsewhere.
    It's very common on them and nothing to worry about if the tree is otherwise healthy  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • 02founder.lees02founder.lees Posts: 2
    Thank you for the responses. I’ll have a look for Aphids, but I guess there’s nothing I can do about it either way.

    Will just have to clip off what I can reach and try to find as efficient a way as possible to clear the mess.
  • parkgatemanparkgateman Posts: 50
    If they come down to the ground like helicopter blades then be aware that where they land they grow into trees .  I spent a few weeks several months ago walking round the garden at the front and back of the house picking them up , still finding them now  that have started growing .
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I've never done anything to aphid honeydew on maples or any trees. It sorts itself out. The rain usually clears it up too. All perfectly normal, and no need to cut anything off. 
     If it's causing some kind of  problem, perhaps you'd be better without the tree, which is  a shame as they're superb for all sorts of wildlife.

    Seeds landing on grass get mown, so they don't live, and if they're on a hard surface they just need swept up. They're only more awkward if they land in among planted areas, but they're easy to pull out. This year has been a mast year for maples and sycamores, so there's more of them around.  :)

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • parkgatemanparkgateman Posts: 50
    Fairygirl -- you`re dead right there . I am still finding shoots every time I walk round the garden .
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