Thuya / Cypress Hedge - 3 Plants Suddenly Withered

Hello everyone,

I have a 20 meter long Thuya hedge, 6 years old, planted back then at about 80 cm. For the past three quarters of a year, 3 consecutive plants in the middle have completely withered and turned brown, so you can see through there.

What could that be? All the others are fine... This has only been happening for about three quarters of a year

Road salt poisoning?

Hm, we actually didn't have snow and ice; on one side there is grass and on the other side there is a path that is neither cleared nor gritted (this leads to a dog park or actually it is a nature reserve meadow). Certain dog urine, maybe from a larger dog, can something like that happen?

I don't think so. She's too well rooted for that after six summers. Is she dry? Dried out over summer 2018?

Mice? These may possibly dig many tunnels, so that the roots lie hollow. In case of severe drought (see last summer), that could become a problem. Ultimately, you will have to replace them and might learn more while digging. Also, a good reason to consider native hedge plants with flowers and nectar for insects & co... :)