Why are the leaves turning yellow on these conifers?

Question

I have two kinds of conifers in the front yard. They are in a spot with eastern exposure, but the sunlight is somewhat blocked by a big house on the south side of the yard. They get a lot of shade in the afternoon and evening, and the yellow is mostly on the part facing the house. However, last year, when planted they were green all over. I live in Chicago (we had a very long winter this year).

Why are they turning yellow and what can I do to make them healthy and green again?

Here are the pictures:

_{Click on photo for full size}

Answer 1

That is winter burn. It is caused by the dehydration of the foliage during abnormally long or cold winters. Evergreens let off water vapor throughout the winter through their leaves, but the roots cannot replenish the supply, while frozen. The yellow areas are dead, and you should follow each dead stem back to a live green shoot or bud, and trim it off neatly. Winter burn was a bad problem with the harsh 13-14 winter. It can be prevented somewhat by any wind-proof cover, which protects from the drying wind.