Expert: Jim Hyland - 8/10/2006

Question
I have read the other posts regarding LCyps turning brown,however, I  need to be sure about my newly planted trees. We planted 30 LC's at the border of our property. They are approx. 5' tall. Soon after we had 5 turn all brown and appear to be dying or almost dead. The rest have seemed ok until I checked them thoroughly today. A few more are turning brown - from the inside of the branch continuing toward the end of the branch  and from the bottom up. I have alno noticed a few spots through out these few where a few needles on a branch have turned brown. I have seen webbing on some of these trees, seen a spider or two on a few of the webbed areas. I have seen no worm like bugs or anything out of the ordunary. These trees have been in the ground for about 2 months+ and receive about 3 gallons of water each per day (once in am, then early afternoon and late afternoon). We live on the norther Outer Banks of NC and it gets very hot and humid here in summer. These trees have NO shade whatsoever. Diseased? Over watered? Under watered? Arrggh, don't want to lose our investment!  Please help! Thank you!

Answer
Sounds like spider mites. These will suck the plant juices out of the needles and form a silky looking web. The needles will turn brown. I would recommend that you spray a miticide on the trees to control the mites. here is a web link that gives more information and several control options.  http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2012.html