Diagnosing "Cloud-Pruned" Conifer with Black Coating & Bees

Pine-like shrub shaped into balls has blackened branches attracting bees. One ball dead, others declining. Fungus? Cause/solution?

Need Photos for Accurate ID

Description suggests a cloud-pruned conifer (possibly pine, juniper, or false cypress). Black coating + bees = likely sooty mold growing on honeydew from sap-sucking insects (scale, aphids).

What to Do

1. Post clear photos (whole plant + close-ups of black coating) to a garden forum or local extension.
2. Check for insects on undersides of needles/stems.
3. If scale/aphids: Treat with horticultural oil or systemic insecticide.
4. Sooty mold washes off once insects controlled.

Without visual ID, treatment is guesswork.