[Buttermilk]

I have noticed that all the local oak trees have leaves covered with a sticky substance.  This has dripped onto gates and the ground.  Where it is on the tarmac lane it is really slippery.

As this will be on the grass is it safe for the sheep to eat?  The grass is greener near the trees as there is more shade.  I have 84 oak trees surounding my fields, each dripping this stuff and if I have to fence them off I will be feeding my winter stocks of forage.

[Lingon]

It's probably just honeydew: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honeydew_(secretion)

Wheather it's safe for sheep, I really don't know, as I have never had any.

[Penninehillbilly]

I would agree its honeydew, poo from aphids  .
Can't imagine it being a problem, maybe the reverse?

[Buttermilk]

We must have an awful lot of aphids as nearly every leaf on every tree is glistening.

[Womble]

I would agree honeydew

I told you not to call me that in public! 

[Penninehillbilly]

I would agree honeydew

I told you not to call me that in public! 

[Penninehillbilly]

Earlier in the year I noticed the sycamore new growth was covered with aphids, never seen as many, so the aphids will be at the top new growth. In fact when I was near the trees I kept getting like spots of rain on my face, impossible I thought, clear blue sky. Then realised what it was - yuk!