Hi Laura,

Thanks for the photos and for the question. This spruce tree is showing tip dieback and needle drop on some branches. This can be due to a number of factors including drought stress, planting depth (planted too deep), and root injury (construction and soil compaction). Treatments for these issues include Irrigation, supplying enough water, proper planting depth (trunk flare is visible at base of tree), and avoid damaging roots and compacting soils near trees during construction. 

Western Spruce Budworm is a pest that will cause similar injury to spruce trees too. This publication has good information on budworm and managment: https://csfs.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Western_Spruce_Budworm_QG_10May2016.pdf

From the photos, I can not say with any certainty which of these things is causing the problem for this tree. It could be one or a combination of these things. 

For a more confident diagnosis, i would like to know 

1. How old is the tree? When was it planted?
2. When did you first notice the damage?
3. Did buds produce new growth (needles) this spring?
4. How is the tree typically cared for?
5. If possible, could you provide a photo of the base of the tree trunk including the soil line? 

Thank you,

Chris 

Chris Hilgert
Colorado State University Horticulture Specialist

Thanks for the additional photo of the base of the tree. It appears that this tree was not planted too deep, so we can eliminate that from our list of potential problems. I'm still leaning towards western spruce budworm injury on your tree. The injury looks significant, but not severe or fatal. Consider management strategies mentioned in this publication:  https://csfs.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Western_Spruce_Budworm_QG_10May2016.pdf

Thank you,

Chris