What's wrong w/ my Dwarf Alberta Spruce

These have been doing really good for 5 years now. They even have what looks like new growth ir buds.

new growth

close up

another one

and this is the inside. I can't imagine what is going on. I dont see any bugs or anything either.

Probably an infestation of spider mites last summer / autumn. Dwarf Alberta Spruce is notoriously susceptible to these. Was it particularly hot and dry late last summer?

Resin

I'm with Resin on this. Probably spider mites.

Can I save them? Yes it was hot & dry last year.

You might be able to save them. Maybe contact the extension office for the best solution. I'd use a miticide or spray them with the hose quite regularily. Spider mites like it hot and dry but if you use the hose to spray them off, it might have some affect. Use a bit of conifer fertilizer to get them going again.

I use Bonide all the time. Its an listed organic spray, but kills the mites.

sheri
when a plant has that dusty dry look, its to be sure spider mites

also, looking at the site your spruces are getting reflected sun and heat from
concrete, fence,gravel and pool. Its like they are being baked in an outdoor
oven. I know I couldn't thrive in that area. You might could try some large
yuccas for that spot, or something that enjoys being sunburned.
: )
Sher

Yeah, I agree Spider-Mites too. The top turned completely brown on mine, I got there too late. I had to cut a bunch off, including the cone, which stunk. I sprayed Neem when I found out. Some say regular hard sprays of water will rid of those mites for a while.
I wouldn't wait to do something because parts of them will be dying soon. Those Spider-mites are tiny but if you look real closely I think they can be seen if not them then perhaps the webs.

Thanks everyone, gonna work on them right away and try to save them.

residual spider mite damage, lack of water. albertas do not have an unlimited life span. increase water. hose the alberta forcefully several times over a week or 10 days while you increase water.
see if it perks up.if evidence of mites, treat with soap and eater and keep up weekly forceful water blasting followed by soap and water spray.

Thanks C. I'll try this.