Drought is not a friend of Fraser or Balsam Firs. Unlikely that you have a Balsam woolly adelgid infestation (you'd see it). Herbicide damage isn't out of the question either.

Still planted and sold in numbers by the nursery industry because it is thought in fact to be visually attractive. But long known for having health problems, including being damaged by air pollution in its native mountain habitat.

Close examination of affected plants needed to be able to tell what is happening on your site. If you find anything that looks like bugs or blights you might want to take samples of affected parts your nearest USDA Cooperative Extension Service branch office for identification and suggestions.

z5 Mass. shouldn't be too warm for it. As Embo sez, it's a tree that might not like sites away from its wild habitats.

What size are they? I don’t think there’s enough info to go on, but my guess would be chemical-related.

I find Fraser Fir to be quite attractive. They perform well in my neck of the woods, and have been surprisingly tolerant of dry conditions, especially considering our thin soils. This one is estimated at 12 years.

I had trouble posting a picture since they have changed everything upside down here (have posted numerous pics in past). I had to try 3 browsers to find one that would even post my question. I'll try again later. I took closeup of needles too.

I would estimate 6-8' tall. There's 5 total. They initially all went in 3 years ago. 2 were replaced 1 and 2 years ago. 2 died late last year (not necessarily the same ones). 1 is newly dead this spring. 2 are looking okay but I am going to look real closely at their needles when I get home.

What about the supply chain? They are coming from the same supplier each time. Could there be "bad" specimens in the industry?

No problem posting pics now. that was strange.

Here is the dead one. It was removed today: Yay!

closeup of it's leaves:

survivor on the right looks ok:

survivor on the left... a little iffy?:

a closeup of some needles. Some light browning observed on the older needles amongst great looking new growth.

Do these pics help draw any conclusions?

Wish I had a suggestion, such a shame, they are such attractive evergreens and such an investment. You can send samples to the state lab for analysis. That might be worthwhile.

Has anyone discussed this with the company applying the chemicals?