Q.Silk floss tree
I have a 9 year old silk floss that this year, after finishing leafing out, is dropping a sap type substance. Little white droplets are appearing on a shade umbrella under the tree and all over the ground. It has never done this before. Is this normal? What can I do to stop it?
This is likely a pest issue; Scale insects are common on a Silk Floss Tree.
The substance that is being dropped by the tree is called Honeydew and is the bugs secretions.
Neem Oil is a good treatment.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/silk-floss/floss-silk-tree-planting.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/control-plant-scale.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm