I have an elm tree that is dropping many droplets of a black substance on the surrounding area beneath the tree

Question

Leaves are dropping prematurely to the fall leaf dropping season–what is my problem

Answer 1

Without a picture, and even then, it is hard to diagnose plant problems. If the droppings are very small and round, it may be caterpillar excrement. If it is more like sap or a constance oozing from the tree, slime flux or bacterial wetwood is possible. Contact an arborist or your local Extension Service for treatment advise. Here is an article on wetwood: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/wetwood-bleeding-trees.htm. Here is the homepage for Texas' Extension; search for wetwood or slime flux. https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/browse/featured-solutions/gardening-landscaping/