Question
In May, I planted a dwarf cork bark fir (Abies lasiocarpa).  It seemed to thrive over the summer, but started losing needles in September. The needle loss is from the interior of the branches, not the new growth.  Is this normal, or symptom of a problem?

Answer
Not a problem. Conifers although they are evergreen have tow sets of needles on them at one time. They will shed a set of needles during the year. The older set is back from the ends of the branches (inner part of the tree). As long as the outer needles are still green the tree is ok and this is normal.