Question on Fir Trees

Hi all. I have a question about some mature fir trees in my garden. They're green on the outside and look healthy, but underneath there's a lot of dead brown leaves and dead branches. Should I chop these off to help the tree or leave alone? Thanks :-)

 

Underneath what Jayne? more info please. What conifers are they?Is the brown at the middle of the plant or at the base?

 

I'm not sure what they are Dai, I'll take a photo and post it tomorrow. The largest tree is around 20ft tall. I think maybe a conifer, is that a fir? But near the trunk where the sun can't get I guess, the fir leaves are brown and there are some dead branches that don't have any leaf on them. I don't think it's brown near the top, just lower, near the base.

 

Hi JayneyG,

Sounds like the brown parts are just where the light is no longer getting to the branches so the tree loses them. It's a natural response to lack of light and occurs in all trees. Post some pics and we'll be able to tell for sure.

Cheers,
Matthew