The needles on many evergreens have turned brown in the past several weeks. We can blame this on several factors. The combination of cold, dry winds, winter sun, and widely fluctuating temperatures is the primary cause of needle browning in evergreens.
Salt can also compound the problem for trees planted near roadways.
Drier than normal conditions have prevailed in three of the last four years. Drought will often weaken your tree and make them more susceptible to browning, as well. Brown needles normally show up in March and April, but this winter they began appearing in January. Brown branches most often affect pines, spruces, firs, yews, arborvitae, and cedar. Damage is most noticeable on the west and south sides of the plants.