Hi Peter we believe are Blue Spruce Pine Trees have a type of needle cast disease. They seem to be dying from the bottom up and from the trunk out. We are looking to have an Arborist come out and treat if possible. Please let us know your thoughts. Paul and Lisa from Broadalbin, NY. My email is . Thank you for any input.
Here’s a link to more on needle cast:
http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/blue_spruce_needle_cast_disease
Calling an arborist would be a good idea. One thing to check first is where the trunk meets the soil. Make sure that, when the tree wasn’t planted too deeply or that dirt wasn’t piled up against the trunk. Likewise check that mulch hasn’t been piled up against the bark of the trunk. Both these situations slowly “strangle” the tree and may cause symptoms similar the needle cast. Brush back the mulch and soil until you find the original soil the plant came in or the root flare and make sure to keep it that way.
Here’s a link to a great video that explains this very well.
https://www.thisoldhouse.com/how-to/how-to-properly-mulch-around-tree
If the tree was planted properly and the mulch was applied properly then you want to call the arborist to deal with the needle cast