foaming weeping willow

I have a young weeping willow that has a spot the size of a dime that is producing foam. The spot is about three feet above the ground and the foam runs down about 18 inches before it dries. Can anyone tell me what is causing the foam, and will it harm the tree?

 

Spittlebug foam, maybe?

 

My mother in law has a beautiful weeping willow that started to foam in 3 different spots.

She said that this was spittlebug foam and that it might harm the tree if uncared for.

I am only relaying information second hand. I cannt say for sure this is the case. Just thougt it might be helpful somehow.

 

Thanks, I will take a closer look. Is there a way to kill off the spittle bugs without killing the tree?

 

Unless your willow is heavily infested, you can just hose off the spit.