CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- A tree popular with many upscale neighborhoods is dying.

Experts thought Leyland cypresses could handle the drought, but the evergreens are anything but green lately.

Experts said there's also an airborne disease which kills them.

Charlotte City Arborist Don McSween said, "The problem is people usually plant them too close together and pack them together, and then if disease gets into one, then it passes on to the other."

The news is disappointing for people who live in neighborhoods where the trees make such good buffers.

Jason Rodela said, "They're very nice trees and they filled in really well. When they're doing well, they're gorgeous green. They smell good."

Experts said you should replace dead ones. You can try to save others by trimming the brown branches. Just in case your tree is infected, you should wipe your tools with alcohol between cuts.

LINK: Tree Health Guide