This really bugs me...

Anyone have an idea what this may be?
I just re-potted this tree a week ago and didn't see this then.
Any suggestions as to treatment would be appreciated too.
thanks

They are scale insects. Since your tree has not leafed out, you can use a dormant spray that is listed for scale. If you see them on a tree with leaves, use Bayer's Imidacloprid.
Iris

Just curious as I often do this myself. Whould it not be easier to just remove them intead of spraying?

Yup. But thr's always the chance o missing one or two. And one is all it takes.

Thanks all. I removed them shortly after taking the picture.
I was mostly curious about preventing them.
What is the long term affect on a tree if they go unchecked?

Those look like Katydid eggs to me.

Randy

Yup, go here. http://bugguide.net/node/view/486658/bgimage
However, if you sprayed the tree, it wouldn't do any harm, since katydids are herbivorous. They might take a nibble of your bonsai on occasion.
Iris