Abundant spring rainfall causes root loss. When followed by summer drought and excess water loss, needles and leaves turn brown. Prune out the brown areas. Soak the root zone of newly planted and established plants once a week if it doesn't rain. Do not overwater.
Mushrooms appear at the base of the tree.
Mushrooms, along with carpenter ants, termites and peeling bark, are symptoms, but not the cause, of decaying wood. A certified arborist should assess the decay. If the decay is severe, the tree should be removed. If not, keep watch on it and reassess every three to five years. Branches break off because of poor branch structure and weak angles.