Q.tree diseases
I have several spruces with some sort of disease. The needles turn brown then the limb. It seems to start close to the trunk, low in the tree then spreads to the top. Please see the attached photos. Any ideas on what to do to stop/prevent this?
Thank You,
J. Horne

Certified GKH Gardening Expert
These actually look like junipers or arborvitae. There are several pests and diseases that can cause juniper trees and arborvitae to turn brown and unfortunately, some of these are not treatable.
The following articles may help you determine what the problem is. Also look into which of the pests discussed in the articles are prevalent in your region.
http://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/pests/plant_pests/shrubs/hgic2056.html
http://ucanr.edu/sites/mgslo/newsletters/juniper_branch_death28050.htm
http://aces.nmsu.edu/ces/yard/2000/052000.html
http://extension.wsu.edu/snohomish/juniper-troubles/
http://web.extension.illinois.edu/askextension/thisQuestion.cfm?ThreadID=5989&