Question
I am trying to find out why my Norway Spruces (3) all have dead limbs at the base of each tree.  They all have new growth this year, but look a little sparse.  The bottom 1/8th of all the trees have dead branches with no needles.  I want to save these trees if possible, can you help?

Answer
Hi Susie

Spruces, like many evergreens, are susceptible to a variety of fungal needle blights.  Your tree may not have this but there is a possibility they do.  Check to see if the branches are truly dead by scratching with a knife or your fingernail.  If alive, there should be white or green tissue under the bark.  If not, the branch is dead and should be cut from the tree.  If branches are dead, I would treat with Daconil fungicide.  Make sure to spray deep into the base and get good coverage on the twigs on the inside. You will need to repeat this several times during the remaining growing season, say every 14 days.  The trees may recover those branches at the base, but this will take some time.  I hope this helps fix the problem.  Good Luck.