Question
Does rust-colored dead growth on an evergreen bush indicate mite infestation...or could it be something else? Do I prune all the dead area and then treat with a miticide?  Thanks so much!

Answer
If the plants are turning a rust color, I would recommend checking them for mites. Shake the branches over a white sheet of paper, if there are any black or red spots that are moving around on the paper, then you have mites. Treat with a miticide to minimize further damage. Control of spider mites depends on thorough application of a miticide when the mites are active. A second application should be made in 7 - 10 days, unless prohibited by the label, to kill those individuals that were not susceptible to control during the first appli璫ation. Check with your local nursery for a miticide for evergreens. Do not prune the "dead" branches off until you are sure they are dead. If you find mites I would spray then see if the needles come back and then you can prune if they do not.