Arborvitae Has Black At Bottom Of Tree And Brown Going Up

Question From: d. jess - TENNESSEE
Q: my arbervite has black by bottom of tree and now brown going up it can i use sevin-5 dust

A: Dianne, Sevin is a pesticide and I believe your arborvitae has a fungus called tip blight. The black you see is the spores, so don't use the Sevin. Take a sample of the infected needles to your local independent garden center or nursery for a positive ID and recommendation of the appropriate fungicide, if needed. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy.