Why is the inner growth of my arborvitae turning brown?

Question:

The inner growth in my arborvitae is turning brown. Is this a problem?

Answer:

The browning of the inner foliage is probably due to seasonal needle drop. It’s normal for evergreens (pine, spruce, fir, juniper, arborvitae, etc.) to shed their oldest (innermost) needles in fall. The innermost needles gradually turn yellow or brown and drop to the ground. Environmental stresses, such as drought, can cause greater than normal loss of needles. The needles on the outer growth remain green on healthy evergreens.