Question
My ficus tree has been loosing leaves lately.  On inspection of the plant, I
noticed small, white sticky dots at the base of many leaves.  Can you identify the
problem and offer a treatment?  Thank you

Answer
Julie:
These dots may be a type of insect such as scale. These "critters" make their living by sucking out the plant juices. Carry a few of these leaves by your garden center to get them ID'd and a prescription-if it is an insect. Ficus can also loose their leaves when the light on them changes- ie. the plant is moved to a different light intensity location.  Another option, if it has been a pot for a while, consider checking roots to be sure that they have not become root bound in the pot- may need to be put into a larger pot. Over or under watering may cause leaf drop.

Thanks for your question and keep growing!
Steve