Tree Sap and Honeydew on Driveways and Decks in Tennessee
Sticky, shiny spots under trees are often honeydew from aphids and scale insects, not sap. Both attract dirt and a black sooty mold.
Sap vs. honeydew
Pine sap is thick resin. Honeydew is a sugary mist dropped by insects feeding on tulip poplars, maples and crepe myrtles, as UT Extension explains.
Why it turns black
Sooty mold grows on honeydew. It's cosmetic but stains concrete and decks.
Stopping it at the source
Treating the insects on the tree, which an arborist can advise on, reduces the mess below.
What you can try yourself
- Soften pine sap with a citrus-based cleaner, then scrub.
- Wash honeydew with warm soapy water before it molds.
What to avoid
- Scraping sap off wood with metal tools.
When to call a professional
Call a pro for large driveways or decks with baked-on sooty mold. See our driveway & concrete cleaning service.
What customers say
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Dan · Google Review
"Driveway looks amazing. Very surprised at the results. Team was very easy to work with. Excellent communication. Fair price. Let’s hope it holds up for a few years."
Mothball K. · Google Review
"I completed a quote sheet online for an estimate to pressure wash my house. First- Clean Pressure Washing responded quickly. Chris called me to discussed what service I need. He looked at my house on the Internet so he was able to see clearly the size of the house. I also added my driveway to the cleaning process. I was given a quote, verbally and written, which I signed on a DocuSign. They communicated with me via text and were right on time based on the schedule provided. They had a truck that had the solution in it for cleaning my house, which I was really happy about because they didn’t use my water. My driveway was really messy and they did a very good job on my house and driveway. I felt the quote was fair and competitive. They got all of the mildew off the house. It looks great so I shouldn’t have any problem with my HOA for a couple years. Thanks so much, Chris. I really appreciate the service you provided!!!"
Karla J. · Google Review
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Related guides
- Red Clay Splash on Siding and Concrete After Tennessee Storms
- How to Remove Tree Sap from Decks, Concrete and Siding
- Getting Your Home's Exterior Ready for a Tennessee Winter
- Spring Exterior Cleaning Checklist for Middle Tennessee Homes
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