# Why Is My Black Olive Tree Raining Sap?
Black olive (Bucida buceras) is an evergreen, 40 to 50 feet tall tree with 2 to 4 inch long, leathery foliage. The tree does not produce edible fruit and develops an oval crown. Fast growing black olive trees often drip sap from a pest infestation.
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Identification
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Black olive trees are susceptible to black sooty mold caused by the black scale. Black scales are 3/16 inch in diameter and convex in shape. The black colored pests have a ridge H like mark on their back.
Damage
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Black scales are sap feeders and attach in heavy numbers to shoots and leaves. As they feed, the pests secrete sticky, honeydew like substance that drips from the tree to lower tree areas and the ground. This is the sap seen raining from the tree. The honeydew invites a fungal infection referred to as sooty mold that grows on tree areas covered with the honeydew. Sooty mold reduces trees capacity for photosynthesis and respiration.
Control
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Use narrow range oil on the tree as soon as pests hatch and while they are still in their crawling stage. In case of light infestation, prune and remove affected limbs. Grow trees in areas of good ventilation to reduce chances of infestation.
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