Gardening and Horticulture - Dying spiral spruce - help!

Three years ago a landscaper put in two spiral spruce trees, which bookend the steps to my backyard deck. They have always been healthy and beautiful...but all of a sudden, one is starting to turn red and die. I'm really bewildered by this - the other one is fine, we've been treating them the same, and there are no known pollutants/pests. Any clues as to why it's dying, and what can I do to save it?

Thanks!

Monique E

Look carefully at the plant for the presence of mites, their webs, or damage to the individual needles. Check the tree for cankers at the bases of limbs and along the trunk near the ground.

...So what should I do if I find any of those things?

You can call your local Dept. of Agriculture Extension Agent to come take a look. Our tax dollars pay for this free service. Mites tend to show effects and red coloring due to death of needles from inside toward trunk. If infestation has been allowed to overtake tree then redness will tend to occur the length of branches.

You can also call an arborist to come evaluate the situation and make recommendations. This will require payment.

If your are a gardener and you care about your garden, it is always best to befriend your local Dept. of Agriculture Extension Agent.