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Dear Paula, here's the response to your question:

Hello
The older, inner needles on spruce will age and fall off naturally. These older needles will stay green nywhere from 3 to 7 years, and in ideal conditions in their native habitat (i.e. Colorado State)  can last up to 10 years.
Do keep your tree watered this fall if rainfall is lacking for more than 10 days, up to when the ground freezes. 
If you want a second opinion you may submit branch samples to MSU Plant Diagnostic lab- their website has instructions: https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/

Or you may hire a certified arborist to come on site and examine the tree’s health.. Find arborists in your city area at the International Society of Arboriculture- http://www.treesaregood.org

references for you- https://csfs.colostate.edu/2023/10/11/ask-a-forester-are-fading-evergreen-needles-normal-in-the-fall/

https://bygl.osu.edu/node/1886

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Thank you for your question!   Laura S.    
 Michigan State University Extension Advanced Master Gardener Volunteer
You may also contact the toll free MSU Extension lawn and garden hotline at <personal data hidden> with your gardening questions or visit www.migarden.msu.edu for Smart Gardening resources.

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