I purchased a Chamaecyparis obtusa last spring at a reputable local nursery. I followed planting instructions carefully and kept it well-watered all summer and into the fall. In early October the small, inner branches turned brown and were easily plucked of in a few weeks. The blight started near the base of the 8-foot trunk and worked its way to the top rather quickly. Also, the longer outstretched branches do not as of yet seem to be affected, except in a a couple of spots, where the blight appears to be moving out towards the tips of the branches. It's in a sunny location with a southwestern exposure. Any ideas as to what this could possibly be a result of?
Thanks, J.Proctor