Blue Spruce Tree problem

[cvasara]

First time poster, first time finding this site.  I was looking for a board ID for some lumber I have, and got onto tree issues, I have a couple different tree problems,  I ended up on this site, yesterday for a few hours.  So, with all that said, I have 3 of these Blue Spruce? trees in my yard, that has branches dead or dying.  Most of the tree looks ok, but not all of 3 different trees.  I have no idea what is wrong with them, and thought posting here might get me on the right track.   
As a side note, right after the new neighbors moved in, they wanted the trees that were partly on their property removed, as well as the overhang from these and other trees.  It ended up that that didn't happen, lawyers told them that they can't do that, so shortly afterward, they put in some hedgepost logs right on the property line next to the trees.  I have always thought that Hedge and Pine don't get along any better than the neighbors and I do.  Hopefully I'm wrong, but Pine tress are still pretty stressed.   Any suggestions as to what is going on with them? 
I also have a couple other trees having issues, and would like some board info too, but I'll save them for another post.   
Thanks for any help/suggestions you all might have.
  BTW,  I'm in Western Illinois  near the Iowa Boarder.

ETA:  I see the pics are in my gallery, but I don't see how to put them with the post.  Maybe that isn't an option?   Newbee problems.

[Magicman]

Welcome to the Forestry Forum, cvasara. 

To add a photo place your curser where you want the photo to appear and then find and click on the actual photo.  Now scroll down and click the blue line that says "Insert image in post".  Now click OK.  The photo's address will be copied in your reply.  Now click Preview and scroll up to view how your reply will appear after you post it.  You now have the opportunity to rearrange anything and also to Preview again before actually clicking on the Post button.

[brendonv]

Spruce is a spruce. Pine is a pine. Spruce is Picea, pine is Pinus. Try not to use them interchangeably.  Two different trees.

Judging by the pics it looks like a shady area. Tree limbs cant grow in shade, so the tree sheds them as it doesnt make sense to "feed" them.  Could also be needle cast if in fact its a shady area and stays moist longer which diseases thrive in. Coule be spider mite, lack of sun, etc.

Hard to tell from pics but that can get you started.

[cvasara]

Thanks for an education for a novice about this stuff.    The affected areas do face North, while the South side of the trees are much better.  And Yes, they were planted too close together, and the worse one doesn't get much, sun at all. 
I'll try to learn better terminology, regarding my posts here.  Sorry about that.

[Magicman]

No apology necessary, so just ask away.  The only dumb question is an unasked question and we all learn.   :P

[brendonv]

No slander meant.  One doesnt learn unless they ask.

[Clark]

You could prune the ends of the branches to get a more compact form (although not more compact than their current size) which would reduce the amount of shading the trees produce which will tend to keep branches alive longer. Think of the pyramid shaped trees on people's lawns, those are pruned so they maintain their shape but they also allow the entire tree to receive adequate sun which reduces the problem you are now facing.

Clark

[derhntr]

https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php/topic,90877.0.html

related. Bet it is the fungus that's getting them

[cvasara]

Thank  You for the links and information.  I planted these trees about 25 years ago or so.  In hind site, too close together.  One of them is close to a White Pine tree that shows some of the same stress branches.
All beautiful trees, when small and young, but now, not so much.   But they still provide that 'snow fence'
in those heavy snow storms we get around here in the Winter.
As a side note, I have about 30 Blue Spruce planted at my place of business,  in a long row, full sunlight, and don't see any issues with them.  I planted them in 1995 - 1996

[ppine]

spruce bud worm damage usually starts at the ends of the branches.