Fir trees going brown

I have several small firs in my garden. A couple of them have started going brown with small areas of brown, dead needles appearing and then spreading. One is almost completely brown and looks like it might die. Is this a fungus? A pest? Can it be treated?
Any advice much appreciated.
James

 

Hi Cromwell. When did you plant them ? If recently it has been very dry. Not much rain even if it hasn't been very warm.
I don't think fungus - or anything like that. More likely to be drought, or not well established root system.
I would try pouring water over their heads. They will take some up through their foliage until the root system gets established. Water at the roots will not work until the root system is working - if you see what I mean.
On the other hand, if those trees have been there a long time - that is a different problem - but I would still be looking at drought.

 

It could also be overwatering I think, I overwatered mine and it sent them brown.

 

Thanks for your thoughts. There appears a balance to be struck here! I think it more likely to be lack of water in this case because they are on a sloping front garden which dries out quickly. I'll try to keep on top of the watering.
Cheers.
James