I planted 31 Emerald Green Arborvitae trees (5 gallon bucket size) in March/April 2009 in Alpharetta, Georgia . 10 of the trees were planted in the front yard. I applied landscape cloth around them and mulched with organic Cedar.

It is now late August and three of the 10 trees planted in the front have developed DARK BROWN buds. One has developed GRAY buds.

What could be causing this and is there anything I can do to save these trees?

All of the 21 trees in the back yard seem to be doing great (no mulch or landscape cloth on them).

Thank you for your help.