Question
My evergreens around my deck are dying.  I trimmed them last summer and thought the rain would keep them watered enough.  Because there is a mass root system under the two decks we built I think they may not be getting enough water.  I have watered them madly past 3 weeks.  They are starting to turn green on the edges.  Outside and tops of bushes are green as ever.  I noticed bushes that are not blocked by porch covering also are turning brown in spots.  The ones in may back yard are great.  Are they diseased or is it due to lack of water.  They are dead almost all the way through to the fence at about 6' up.  The remainder is beautiful green.  Thank you.  Had bushes 15 years now.

Answer
Lori:
Most evergreen shrubs and trees like your various junipers, cypress, and arborvitae that have needle leaves prefer a well drained soil.  Excess water can do them in if it stays in the root zone area for an extended period.  Needle browning/shed can be a common thing to occur on the interiors of those types of  plants due to shading from the outer portions.  Could you perhaps you send me a photo of one of these plants that you are having a problem with?  Be sure to review your photo on your computer before sending- to be sure it is in focus.

Regards
Steve