Hello, We have a mature (30+ year old) crabapple tree that was professionally diagnosed with a fatal case of fire blight 2 summers ago (we have not removed it yet). Since then, an arborvitae within 12-15 feet of the crabapple has had numerous branches turning brown around the entire tree (so not just on one side that might indicate winter burn). Furthermore we have several other bushes that are not looking healthy. We are looking at removing the crabapple and replacing it with another mature flowering tree (possibly an ivory silk lilac) and also removing the damaged arborvitae and replacing it with another mature evergreen (possibly Douglas fir). Our home is in Maple Grove and this side of the house faces east. My questions are: 1. Can fire blight spread to other species of trees/shrubs? 2. We have not attempted to remove the brown arborvitae branches as it looks to be too far gone but is that a viable option? 3. The arborist said not to plant a new tree within 3 feet of where the removed crabapple is currently. Is this a good recommendation for both diseased trees in our yard, or is it still possible for the new tree to be infected at that range? (ie does the fire blight live and travel in the soil?) 4. Any other recommendations or information for our situation? I've attached photos of our front landscaping to show distance from the crabapple and with the sick-looking plants circled in red, along with close ups of the crabapple and the arborvitae. Thank you so much for your time and attention! Please let me know if I can answer any questions or provide additional photos.