Question
Ficus tree at our school is doing poorly.  I brought it home to try and nurse it on our covered deck.  I noticed that is has black scaly bugs on the branches as I was pruning the dead branches.  Any hope or advise for me to do this summer.  The other ficus at school is doing great, same location but on the other side of room.  Temp and lighting seem to be great.

Answer
The problem is probably scale insects, which are oval in shape and can be any color.  They do not move and can be scraped off with your fingernail.  I would treat the plant with Bayer Advanced Tree and Shrub Insecticide which can be bought at Home Depot.  The product is mixed with water and poured around the base of the tree.  It is taken up systemically and will kill the bugs within a week or so.  It also provides protection for up to a year.  I hope this helps solve the problem.  Thanks.