Question about type of tree and health of the tree.

Question

Hello,
Not sure if you can answer, but do you know what kind of tree this is?
It’s in my yard and I think something is wrong with it. The leaves all have the like brown goo coming off them and look really shinny and are covered in what look like little bugs. So you know anything about this or if there is something wrong and how to cure it?

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Answer 1

The large heart-shaped leaves lead me to believe it's a catalpa tree, which is popular in Utah. It may have an aphid infestation, which produces honeydew on the plants and can attract other insects like ants. Control is hard to achieve on trees. They are usually on the underside of the leaves and hard to reach with a pesticide. I would try spraying with water. That will help reduce some of them, plus get rid of some of the honeydew. I would advise calling your local extension agent and see if they recommend treating it. Your tree leaves also show evidence of iron chlorosis, but could be related to the insect damage. (If you decide to use Neem oil, do not spray in the heat of the day; it could burn the plant.)

I've included information on aphids in Utah trees.

https://extension.usu.edu/beaver/EZPlug/Uploads/Horticulture/Top%2010%20tree%20problems.pdf

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/aphids-tree-disease.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/catalpa/catalpa-tree-planting.htm