Question
We have a farm yard with a lot of poplar trees. This year, for the first time in the 41 years we have been here, all the poplar leaves are covered in a very fine very sticky spray.  This spray also can be found on our vehicles, deck etc.  Do you know what this is?  Thanks in advance for your help.

Answer
Claire:
This sticky spray may actually be "honeydew", a clear deposit produced from insects that are feeding on this tree or a plant above it.  Aphids and several other insect cause this.  This sticky stuff is actually insect "poop" that drips down from above. It is usually a nuisance more than anything. Insect management is the solution to reducing or eliminating this.

Steve