Arborvitae Needles Turning Brown On One Side

Question From: L. Testen - Frederick, Maryland, United States
Q: I think my arborvitae have some wind damage from the more severe winter we had. Some of the west facing areas are brown just on the ends, but the rest of the tree is fine. Should I trim the brown areas or leave them there?

A: I've seen two shrubs side by side with different percentages of damage. The plants ability to transport moisture was part of the issue and that varies from plant to plant. Think of high and low blood pressure. You can prune the dead needles away. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy