interior browning is normal ... interior needles are shed between 1 and 3 years.. depending on type ... interior browning is increased by drought last year.. severe winter.. or drought this year ... and NORMAL if transplanted this or last year ... life on these trees is all in this years fresh growth.. as long as that remains vibrant and green you are all set ... it is when those dull or turn brown.. that the fight is lost ... it sure wouldnt hurt.. to add some water.. and some mulch .. if you arent providing such .. without overwatering ... otherwise.. a picture is needed to further the diagnosis ... good luck ken ps: orange is the color between green and tan dead brown ...

sorry to say.. its dead ... and it died a long time ago.. as evidenced.. to my eye.. by the fact that the leader quit growing, before fully elongating ... we are well beyond the point of it still being in bud form ... instead.. next years buds should have already been set ... being 'evergreen' .. even though it died.. it stayed green.. until the real heat of summer crisped it up .... also.. what is still green.. is dull .. not the vibrant green it should be.. i hope you have a warranty for it.. sorry ken

bought my Vanderwolf pine in the fall of 07... planted in a pretty much sunny area with hostas around it... gave it "plenty" of water.... in spring 08 the tips of the needles were already turning brown... talked with the nursery about it and they said it "might" be wind damage... by August it was 50% brown....took a picture of it and went back to the nursery....they gave me full credit for it... haven't gotten it dug out yet....but it is "Totally" brown now... a real Charlie "BROWN" Christmas tree....haha... good luck with yours... jill p.s....the nursery then told me they are pretty finicky...you can "Overwater" or "Underwater"....soooo...back to the drawing board for me...

Hi, welcome to Gardenweb! I think you should ask on the trees forum. Good luck!