Hi there,

The most common causal agent for Douglas-fir decline and mortality in the past couple of years is drought. We recently experienced several years of drought which stressed out many trees. After a tree has been severely stressed, it is more susceptible to be affected by insect pests and diseases. It often becomes a complex interaction of several disturbance agents. Have you noticed any insect holes, woodpecker activity, or swollen areas on the branches with red needles? I've heard landowners in Linn County are finding small outbreaks of flatheaded fir beetles, so that's one possibility. I'm linking two articles that you may find helpful below.

Article about the many insect pests of Douglas-fir: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/forests/health-managment/douglas-fir-insect-pests-drought-stressed-trees

Article about the interactions of drought and other disturbance agent: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/douglas/why-are-my-trees-dying 

Hi Toni,

I didn't receive any additional photos- where did you send them? While it seems odd to have reddened branches become noticeable coming out of the winter season, the impacts of long-term drought can take years to manifest. It may be wise to have a consulting forester come out and diagnose the issue if you're concerned it may spread to other trees on your property.

You can find Consulting Forestry Services by selecting your county at this link:

https://www.orforestdirectory.com/advanced-search?region_county%5B%5D=483&services%5B%5D=694&services%5B%5D=1001&services%5B%5D=680

Thanks,