Question
We have 19 of these trees planted by our landscaper @year ago as a privacy wall.  They have been wonderful, but they are starting to die very quickly.  In the space of a month we have seen 2 of them turn brown, with more signs that others will follow.  (Leaves turning yellow, new growth curling)  We were told that there are spider mites, but that they would not kill the trees.  Our Tru-Green specialist is stymied as is our landscaper.  Help, these are expensive trees.

Answer
Jan:

Someone really needs to see these trees in person to make an accurate evaluation.  Spider mites do indeed sound like an unlikely suspect for these East Palatka trees.  You can contact your local county Extension office to arrange for a house call OR visit with your local garden center.  From your description, I would not suspect a problem that is originating from the leaves.  I would look lower down on the tree.  Look for any type of physical damage to the base of the tree or anything obvious regarding the roots, like excavation etc.  If the affected trees are beside one another, what about the soil?  Could it be too wet or dry in that area?  Has anything been sprayed on the trees or spilled on the ground below them? There are several possibilities, but really best again to get someone to see them in person.  They may pickup on something previously missed.  

Regards
Steve