Question
Hi, I got last fall, it is about 30" tall now. Anyway, today I noticed almost all the branches have a little fly-like insect on the top - they are quite still and seem almost attached to the tree. Are they benign or not so much??? If they are a pest, how do I get rid of them?

Thanks for taking the question.  Claire

Answer
Claire:
These may be winged aphids. Best to confirm the identity first, since aphids can be a pest. They usually congregate on tender branch tips and tender leaves. You can send me a closeup photo of these at the tip of a branch OR better yet, snip off a branch tip with these attached, put in a ziploc sandwich bag and carry to your local nursery for an ID followed by an appropriate insecticide recommendation if they are indeed a pest.

If you send me a photo, try to get as close as you can to take the shot.  Review your picture on your computer to be sure it is in focus before you send it to me.

Regards
Steve