Your tree is dead. The needles take time to brown and drop even after the plant dies (think of Christmas trees lasting a few weeks).

When you remove it, examine the root area for clues about why it failed. Possibly girdling or circular roots? Original burlap or twine or wire basket still in place? Did the roots fail to grow into the native soil? How do they smell? This can give a clue to possible root rot. Before you dig it up, give it a good push and pull. That, too, can provide clues about the roots.

Examine the trunk as well, for cankers or insects. However the speed with which your tree died often indicates a root problem. These show up dramatically with the first dry warm days.

Oregon Extension offers a publication and app about choosing and planting a new tree, EC1438.

Share photos of what you find if you’d like help troubleshooting what might have gone wrong on your spruce.

Thank you. We will examine the roots when we dig it up. We were pretty scrupulous in removing the burlap at planting. We see no signs of insects or cankers. We have given the tree "a good push and pull" as suggested. It is solidly in the ground. So, this weekend we'll dig it up and see what we find. Thanks again. We appreciate your help.

Wow, good job on the digging! Do you still have it? Knock off more dirt and look for circling/girdling roots, if so. A hose with a pressure nozzle can make a mess, but help you see the root structure. Look also for where the “root flare” is. Trees are commonly planted too deeply.

Also, as you clear the roots, look at the soil type(s). Water, and so roots, don’t move well between different textures. You might see the line where your native soil met the material your tree was originally grown in. I’ve found plants with layers of a potting mix, then deeper in, I find the original sleeve with the rooting mix from the first propagation.

Sometimes there’s a layer with burlap or twine buried in the rootball.

I want to get you more publications on tree planting but not overwhelm you. In short, do not amend the planting hole. Do not dig deep (wide & shallow is more the rule). Choose a tree by root system shape when you can. Do not bury too deep (find the flare).

Nice slide-show on flare, from Clemson U. Extension here.  ISA how to plant a tree, here.

I’d love to see photos of what you find deeper in the roots, and have permission to share photos in workshops. This looks almost textbook, but exactly illustrating what problem I’m not sure. Guessing buried too deep.