Question
We recently discovered that our grafted Japanese maple had a lot of dead dry branches, even though it has it's spring leaves coming in.  We originally thought it was because of lack of water, however last night we realized that it is infested with bugs.  They are brown, tear drop shaped and slightly larger than a flea.  What are they and how can we save our beloved tree?

Answer
Sounds like aphids. These insects suck the plant juices from the plant and will cause the leaves to wilt. I would treat the tree with an insecticide called Bayer Advanced Tree and Shrub Insect control. This product is applied to the soil around the tree and the roots transport the insecticide to the twigs and leaves and when the aphids suck the plant juices from the tree they are killed. This treatment will last for the growing season. Here is a web link to more information on this Bayer product. Check with your local nursery/garden type store for Bayer Advanced Tree and Shrub Insect control.

http://www.bayeradvanced.com/product/Tree-Shrub-Insect-Control/concentrate.html