Question
I planted 2 arborvites last October to replace Alberta Spruces that had severe spider mite damage. They were very healthy when I got them (they came from Maine) and we planted them at the original soil line and watered them generously until it got too cold. They appeared to be fine all winter (not a bad winter for us in CT) and now they're turning brown all around the bottoms and throughout the middle. They look horrible and they haven't even been there one year yet. What could cause this so suddenly and could the same spider mites that infested the old shrubs be infesting these too? I haven't fertilzed much (just a little miracle grow this spring).  They're too young to die :-).  

Answer
Julie,

If the damage is uniform on the bottom of theplants, I would say that there was something either sprayed onto them or something splashed up from the ground. The browning in the middle is normal for all evergreens.

I would recommend keeping them well watered and applying a granular organic fertilizer to stimulate new growth.

Good luck,
Ed Gulliksen