Question
At the very end of each of the branches on our cherry tree(where the new growth started in the spring), seems to be full of small bugs and a blackish slick residue. What is this and what can I do to help our poor cherry tree.

Answer
Hi Margaret,
Thanx for your question.  I am not a tree expert but it sounds like you have an infestation of black cherry aphid.  Here are some pics and some articles on their control.  You may want to consult with our tree expert Jim Hyland.  He can be accessed by going back to Home/Garden, click on Trees and then click on Trees.  

http://www.ipmimages.org/browse/subimages.cfm?area=127&sub=8178

This article from Washington State University should be helpful.  There are many natural controls you can use too.  I hope this helps.
Tom

http://pep.wsu.edu/hortsense/scripts/query/displayProblem.asp?tableName=plant&pr...