Question
I have 15 emerald green aborvitae planted last year in September.  5-6 feet tall.  Very green and beautiful last year.  This year now seeing dead spots throughout, more at the bottom. Color is now odd, lighter green.  The dead spot areas are brittle.  The other areas are still strong, foliage cannot be pulled off.  Live areas have new buds.  What should I do or let nature take its course?

Answer
As new foliage buds out the older foliage will drop. If the dead foliage is on the inter parts of branches there is no problem. As along as the tips of the branches are growing I think it is just normal shedding of older needles.  Some of this is left over shock from the planting in September. The plant is growing roots and putting most of its energy into the roots rather than the foliage. Make sure it has water if the weather turns dry.