Evergreen Bushes Browning Under Decks: Water or Disease?

The Scene

Evergreens around a deck (junipers, cypress, arborvitae) are brown inside and up to 6 ft, but tops are green. Owner watered heavily for 3 weeks; edges are greening. Backyard plants are fine.

Key Insight

Needle browning on interiors is normal shading. However, the deck roof blocks rain, creating a rain shadow. The mass root system under decks may also limit water penetration.

What to Do

1. Water deeply at the drip line, not at the trunk.
2. Check soil moisture 12″ down—it should be moist, not saturated.
3. Send a photo of a whole affected plant for a more precise diagnosis.

Disease vs. Environment

If only interior needles brown and outer growth is healthy, it’s likely environmental. Widespread tip dieback, oozing, or cankers suggest disease.