[Arid_gardener] Italian Cypress Trees turning brown then upperportion of tree dies, please help save other trees

[Olin Miller]

In AZ that type of problem is usually due to spider mites.  They could 
have done their damage, then moved on.  Have you checked with the TAMU 
cooperative extension at Dallas as to what local Texan diseases could 
cause your problem?

"The opinions or statements expressed herein are my own and should not 
be taken as a position, opinion, or endorsement of the Maricopa Master 
Gardener Association or of the University of Arizona."

Olin Miller
Master Gardener Volunteer, Maricopa County AZ
======================================================

----- Original Message ----- From: "Lona" <lona2u4u at yahoo.com>
Sent: Wednesday, May 17, 2006 2:16 PM
>I live in Dallas, TX and I have a row of 20 Italian Cypress Trees.  I 
>love these trees for their beauty.  The trees are currently 15ft tall 
>and have been in the ground for 8 years.
>  About 6 months ago some trees had brown branches, now one tree is 
> completely dead from the middle of the tree to the top half.  Another 
> tree is starting to die also and has a portion of the top branches 
> during light green with brown branches in the middle.  Also several of 
> the trees have brown branches.
I inspected the trees and I do not see spider mites.  The trees have 
Southern exposure and get water with a regular sprinkler system. My 
husband puts fertilizer spikes within 1 to 2 foot of the tree truck 
every year.
>  My question is what is killing the trees?  Could it be the fertilizer 
> spikes are too close to the trees and that is what is killing them? 
> Any help would be appreciated.