Hi, I just noticed these little webs with tiny black specks in them on a white spruce yamadori I collected earlier this year. Wherever they are, the needles around them have turned brown. So far, it isn't very widespread. I thought it was spider mites, but after searching around this forum the pictures of spider mites look a little different from this - would really appreciate any help ID'ing this so I can try to deal with it.

Thanks!

Hard to tell from the Photo (using cellphone). But Google Pineus pini (pine woolly aphid), could it be that?

They are seldom a big problem for the health of the tree where I live. So I just Crush them with my fingers when watering, very easy.

is that even normal?

Looks like spider mites to me.