Question
Throughout our neighborhood there are webs surrounding the end
of the tree branches...like a cocoon almost.  I don't think they are
all the same type of trees.  Does anyone know what this is?  

Answer
This is an insect called Fall webworm. Since they attack in the late summer or fall and have one generation per year they damage looks worst than it is. The most it will do is cause a little growth loss to the trees. Usually natural perdators and disease cause the insect population to be reduced and the next year there is no signs of damage. Here is a web link to more information on Fall Webworm. http://www.bugwood.org/factsheets/webworm.html