These spots seem to be new, and they are on smaller branches, not on the main trunk. At first I thought is was caused by ants because there is team of them searching the tree, constantly, but I've read that they are looking for aphids. This tree is now about 7' tall and very healthy looking otherwise. I water it deeply once a week, as we haven't seen rain in months here in Los Angeles. I am guilty of misting it every day though, because it looks so good wet.