I have some sort of conifer tree and its leaves are blackening and turning brown.?

Question

I noticed 2 weeks ago there was a small patch of brown leaves at the 'back' of my tree (side facing house) and all of a sudden almost the whole tree - 90% has turned dry and brown. I have tried jetting water at the leaves and leaving the hose on for 2 hours as there was little rain in the last few weeks. Giving it plenty of water doesn't feel as if its working. However I pulled out a 'healthy' set of branches and leaves and notice that there is some sort of black stuff engulfing the leaves. Once they leaves turn brown they feel very dry. I also checked the stump but it looked fine. Please tell me what this odd 'infection' is.

Answer 1

Dawn Redwoods lose their needles just like deciduous trees lose their leaves and are the only conifers that should. Conifers do not have leaves  Could you post a picture?My daughter has a degree in nursery management and is very good at this kind of thing she said she needs more info like how old is the tree? what part of the country are you in? she said that if it is an established tree drought would not likely affect it.That it is possible you are over watering and that the Black stuff might be mildew.But again she really needs more info.