Inner Needles of Arborvitae Turning Brown

I planted several arborvitaes this spring. I water regularly and they seemed to be doing fine until this fall. Now they all seem to be turning brown in the center. It is just the inner needles along the trunk. Should I water more, less or spray something?

Sounds like seasonal needle drop. Evergreens like arborvitae, spruce, pines and juniper drop their older needles. The needles yellow and brown all along the trunk and eventually drop. This is most common in fall and more prevalent on recently transplanted trees or after a droughty summer or major pest infestation. If the outer leaves are healthy it is just a normal part of the plant’s life cycle. Do continue to water thoroughly as needed until the ground freezes. 

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