Question
I have a corkscrew willow that is dying...it seems to be covered in tiny black aphids? the bark on the trunk is peeling back and is black like? I sprayed it off with water to get the bugs off and they were back the next day.. what should I do to save the tree? It hardly has no leaves left...

Answer
Treat the tree with an insecticide. Either spray the tree with an insecticide called Orthene or treat the soil around the tree with an insecticide called Bayer Advanced Tree and Shrub Insect control. Either will kill the aphids. The one to use will depend on the size of the tree and if you have the sprayer to reach all the foliage. The black is called sooty mold and it grows on the honeydew secreted by the aphids as they feed on the plant juices. It will go away after you control the aphids. Check with your local nursery for these insecticides.