Question
I have a fichus hedge of about 20 trees.  About five months ago I noticed some leaves were changing color on 1 tree and starting to drop.  I thought it might have been my cutting some roots when I dug a hole but then 2 other trees started going the same way. These trees are not side by side.  The leaves are all falling off and the branches turn brittle so I am assuming the trees are dying.  I managed to avoid the whitefly epidemic in the county by treating the trees so I know it's not that, besides I think the tree doesn't die from whitefly attack? I am at a loss as to what the problem might be.  Meanwhile I am getting these big gaps in my hedge and am worried the other trees may go the same way.  Do you have any thoughts. Thank you for your time.

Answer
Hi Nicki:
It's difficult to say w/o seeing the plants in person. Consider contacting your local county Extension agricultural office for some assistance. In many cases, these trained folks might be able to come out to your home and have a first hand view. This is a free service.  If you don't know how to contact these folks, send me your state and county of residence and I might be able to locate a telephone number for you.

Regards
Steve