Arbutus Tress Stress, Winter of 13/14

On our return to N. Saanich after several months absence, we notice the several 20+ ft. high arbutus lining our driveway show signs of winter stress. The leaves are brown and dry but for the most part are still hanging onto the branch. Some trees are showing at least 50% stressed leaves. The neighborhood arbutus all show similar signs of stress.