Normal. As new growth forms on the outside, the oldest stuff on the inside browns out. Life goes on.
hortster

walk thru any forest of any tree ...

they are all nudey on the inside ... its natures way ... and they brown and crisp.. before they fall off ...

as noted by the hort.. its an age and sunlight issue ...

these plants do benefit.. from you getting in there.. and just rubbing out that old stuff. and cleaning it out.. over the years.. it can build up.. and lead to disease issues ...so if you see any piles of dead needles [its a conifer, not a shrub] .... just work them out .... you can be rather aggressive.. dont think you are going to hurt it.. by moving branches around

this plant should NEVER .. EVER .. need fert ...

good luck

ken

alright sounds good thanks you guys