Question
I have a hemlock(western Massachusetts )where half the tree has died in about 3weeks. It is completely brown and the other half of the tree is alive. The tree is very tall and about 50 years old.I don't see any white disease on it. Should I cut it down (would hate to) or cut off the dead top half ???Could drought conditions that we have experienced this summer have anything to do with it ?

Answer
Hi Hope,

It is quite possible that the drought caused the upper portion of the tree to die.  It is also possible that there is some type of injury high up in the tree that cause death of the top part.  If you do not see any type of spots on the needles or evidence of insects, it is likely that some environmental factor is to blame.

I would suggest that you have the top part of the tree removed.  Since this is a large tree, I suspect you will need to contact an arborist.  When the arborist comes to take off the top part, ask them to look for any evidence of other problems such as borers or cankers.  Should they find something, it may be advised to remove the whole tree. But, if they find that the tree is otherwise healthy, then I would continue to care for the tree and wait to see what happens.  You should be sure to water the tree during periods of drought to prevent stress and promote plant health.

Good luck!
--Jen