Put down several inches of mulch around the base of the tree not touching the trunk. Check the leaves regularly during hot dry spells. Is There A Way To Save This Half Dead Evergreen Tree Gardening Landscaping Stack Exchange Make sure that the tree receives one deep watering per week. How to revive a dying evergreen . Remove the plant from the pot. Remove fallen foliage and destroy it burn it. Click to see full answer. The mulch will cool the soil and help it retain moisture. The symptom of this is includes splitting of the bark. A brief look at maybe the most common problem for evergreens. Common signs of dying evergreen shrubs include dropping needles and needles that are turning brown. Prune away dead branches twigs and infected areas of the tree. Cut Off Sick or Dying Branches Pruning or cutting off sick branches is a reasonable means of saving a dying oak tree. If you see wilting leaves in morning water the tree immediately and thoroughly. Apply a fu...