Q.White Spruce
Tree has been planted for 3 years. Sandy soil, 3 fertilizer stakes each year, tree drooping, first year with any issue.
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Evaluate the environmental conditions first, such as over or under watering, heat stress, winter drying. It looks like there are browning spots, too. Check for insect infestations and signs of fungal infections. Rust disease will show small orange projections between needles. Spider mites leave fine webbing in twigs and brownish needles.
Moisture level should be consistent, not too wet and not dry. The sandy soil should be well draining so that is good.
You can prune out the brown stems to prevent spread of possible disease.
These articles should help pinpoint the problem:
https://extension.psu.edu/spruce-diseases
https://extension.illinois.edu/sites/default/files/plant-clinic-report-spruce.pdf
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/brown-conifer-needles.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/cytospora-canker-disease.htm
