Question - We have a pine tree next to and overhanging our >> deck. This year we have unfortunately become overwhelmed with >> dripping sap from its newly growing pine cones. It is simply >> destroying our patio furniture, etc. We trimmed back a few of the >> longer branches overhead but there are areas that are too high to >> reach to fully eliminate all the sources of sap. Is there anything >> that we can do to prevent or curtail this, short of hiring a >> professional tree cutter? And what do you recommend for removing >> pine sap from vinyl/cloth chairs without leaving a stain mark (we >> have tried isopropyl alcohol and Goo-Gone with marginal >> success)? Thank you so much for your time and input; it is greatly >> appreciated. >>Sincerely, >>Brian

There is no way you can stop the cones frpom dripping short of removing the tree. Why needle evergreens are dripping sap from their cones this year, I can not answer. Nor can I tell you how to remove the sap from the vinyl/cloth material without discoloring it. Suggest you check your local library for a book on stain removal.

We have the exact same problem in our backyard. This year has been the worst in the 12 years we have lived here. I was hoping to find some great answer to help Curtail the problem but alas I am not surprised to hear that short of cutting it down there's not much we can do. I can share that lemon oil (we use essential oils) has been our saving grace for removing sap from our skin and patio furniture.

We have a HUGE sap problem this year as well. Best product for removal that we found was Krud Kutter--cleaner/degreaser from Home Depot.

There is a very simple and cheap solution to removing pine sap from fabric. Go to the dollar store and buy some hand sanitizer. Rub it on the sap and it will disappear. No real scrubbing involved. I had a couple cushions that I needed to do two applications since I’d already tried an oil based solution on those spots. My cushions are perfect now. Give it whirl!

I found this conversation when googling. My pine trees are not exactly dripping sap....it’s more like they’re “misting” sap (fine mist, but lots of it, as opposed to drops) in April. Is this the same as dripping sap? The reason I am concerned is that I had never noticed it before 2017-2018. Then, summer 2020, two trees died from what I think could be “White Pine Decline”. I wondered if the two could be connected? The only thing I can thing to add is that when we took down the tree, we dug out the stump, and I would say the roots seemed to be too small for the fairly large tree.

I found this conversation when googling. My pine trees are not exactly dripping sap....it’s more like they’re “misting” sap (fine mist, but lots of it, as opposed to drops) in April. Is this the same as dripping sap? The reason I am concerned is that I had never noticed it before 2017-2018. Then, summer 2020, two trees died from what I think could be “White Pine Decline”. I wondered if the two could be connected? The only thing I can thing to add is that when we took down the tree, we dug out the stump, and I would say the roots seemed to be too small for the fairly large tree.

You have read the thread regarding the natural and most often annual dripping of sap of pines (and many other trees and shrubs do as well) especially in periods of active growth where natural openings allow. The misting. Your reference is more of an insect exudate. Aphids for example and immature scales) actively feeders of sap. Actually the tree sap is under 'pressure' and is in a way pumped through the aphid body in excess of what can be digested. The size of the insect determines how big or small that exudate is. Suggest looking quite carefully when this starts and look for any kind of sucking insect, remembering that they will be smalerl than the needle itself. Pine needle scale is a common pest, Aphid and scale nymphs can be conrolled if desired.