The raining of sap could be an infestation of aphids. These feed on the trees sap using the proteins and other nutrients which are low in concentration and basically poop sugar water. This is why ants are attracted to them. Check in a week or so if these trees start having black twigs which would be sooty mold growing in the sugar water waste. Kevin
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Shelagh Smith<mailto:[log in to unmask]> 
  To: [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> 
  Sent: Sunday, June 05, 2005 5:06 AM
  Subject: [VTBIRD] Sticky Stuff


  Ruth Stewart writes:   My husband theorizes that the
  trees that have been defoliated are still producing
  sap/food for the leaves and that is what is floating
  to the ground.  It's unreal.   What's happening
  elsewhere?

  Here in Leicester, our cars parked under the maples
  are covered in sticky stuff too, however, there are no
  tent caterpillars in these trees.  It has been
  "raining" sap for a month now!