Question
I have landscaping around my home which is well established. Last year, 2 Arborvitaes on the side of my house seemed to die back when Spring came.They turned brown and never really recovered from the winter. This year,I have noticed that a yew bush is dead about 6 feet away from the arborvitae. There are 2 others right next to it, but they seem fine.I don't know what is happening. But like I said, I bought this home with a well established landscape. I'm sure the people I bought it from spent alot to have this landscaping done. I am in the house 2 1/2 Years. I find it very disturbing. I work in the yard all the time. What could it be? Root nemotodes, root rot, poor drainage? There are bushes between the arborvitae and yew. That's what is so strange. Why aren't the others affected. Please, anything you can help me with would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Jill

Answer
Hi,Jill
It Sounds Like Which Is Very Common in the northeast ,and was very bad this winter is your having winter burn/winter kill/wind burn.It does happen in warm weather climates to where it drops below freezing a few times as well.To Answer why some plants not others that depends where they are planted.next to house,under roof/gutters/north side south side etc. also Jill some plants are more hardy then others. Arborvitaes are almost always going to have winter burn if left un treated.All right now what to do 1st Hire a certified arborist ,and I say this because You sound like you have to many plants to spray them your self.Have them treat your evergreens with a anti-desicant which puts a waxey barrior on the leaf to stop winter burn.This should cost you between $70,and $140 for a normal size House.Also I would use compost tea plus organic matter fertilizer to help your plants soil from the ground up. Thats how i handle this  with my clients in NewYork and have very happy clients ,and happy plant!!! Thanks,Chad