Q.Browning needles
Small pines losing needles and patches of brown. Are they salvageable or just replace? I’m sure it’s due to the drought that we had over the summer here in Kentucky. Thanks.

Certainly I would try to identify the issue before throwing in the towel.
Increase watering on small plants during extreme heat and dry conditions.
I also would treat with a fungicide and remove any dead material around the base of the trees and dispose of.
Here is a link with some more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/pine/pine-tree-browning.htm