Why Newly Planted Evergreens Turn Brown in Summer Heat

A row of evergreens planted last fall thrived until a sudden browning spread from one end. Three trees are fully brown, and the fourth is halfway there. Is it a disease moving down the row?

Likely Cause: Heat and Drought Stress

While diseases like spider mites can affect evergreens, they usually appear on older plants. The rapid, uniform browning of new plantings during an extreme Alabama summer points to heat and drought stress. Newly planted trees lack extensive root systems to absorb enough water during prolonged heat waves.

Diagnostic Steps

• Check for spider mites: Shake a branch over white paper. If tiny moving specks appear, treat with neem oil or a miticide labeled for spider mites.
• Assess root health: Dig up one tree to inspect for severely pruned roots (a nursery practice that dooms plants).

Management

Water deeply and consistently, but understand that survival won't be certain until spring. If trees are brittle and show no green under the bark by then, they are dead. Replant next year with proper root preparation and irrigation.