Question
Hi David, I have two potted Spiral Evergreens that are approximately two years
old and they have turned completely brown. How can I tell if they are dead or if
this the result of minimal rain & watering due to drought conditions and
watering restrictions here in Georgia? I have other evergreens that are planted
in the ground and they are thriving.

Answer
Evergreens turning brown is not a good sign.  To check to see if they are dead, take your fingernail or a pocketknife and scratch the branch bark lightly.  If it is green or white underneath, then the branch is still alive.  If it is brown it is dead.  You should trace the tissue all the way down towards the soil until you find green tissue.  Anything brown above this point should be cut off.  You will probably need to sneak a little water to the plant as drought on a 2 year old plant may be the culprit.  Let me know what you find with return response.  Thanks.