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

Jon, Chamaecyparis can be beautiful plants in teh landscape as you know. they do need moist but well drained soil. They do not tolerate windy conditions. with most problems we woud see first damage on new growth. I wonder if what you saw was just natural branchlet drop in fall? Although they are evergreen they do lose their interior branchlets in fall. If the browning is not affecting the outer leaves I would imagine that is what is going on. you may want to ask the place of purchase just so they are aware of the problem. I hope that is all it is.