Hello. If you have not identified any other symptoms, the most likely cause of the deterioration is a combination of adverse biotic and abiotic factors, such as the stress experienced during planting, a high and constant humidity of the soil (accentuated by the presence of the material on the ground), inadequate watering after planting, adverse climatic conditions, nutrient deficiencies and others, depending on the case. It is known that the chance of success when planting seedlings is lower in the case of larger specimens (Ornamental trees and shrubs - Planting guide). Additionally, the presence of certain materials can have the effect of retaining the soil moisture, i.e. blocking the respiration processes of the root system and favoring the development of plant pathogens. Once the symptoms of drying out start after planting, the process is often irreversible (depending on the health and vigor of the plants, i.e. environmental and care conditions). The future development of cypresses cannot be accurately predicted.
For the time being, it is recommended to remove the material and loosen the soil around the conifers, i.e. to keep a portion of land permanently loose and free of vegetation or any other materials. As the development and spread of plant pathogens is stimulated by the high and constant humidity of the soil, watering is recommended to be carried out according to the recorded temperatures and rainfall only when the soil is dry on the surface. Spraying the trees with water, or watering them with sprinklers or together with the lawn is contraindicated, as the humidity at the foliage level and the constant humidity at the base of the conifers represent a favorable environment for the onset and propagation of fungal diseases. It is recommended to remove the damaged foliage and ensure the optimal growing conditions for this species (Cypress, planting guide and care work). Ensuring the optimal nutrients is essential for healthy and vigorous trees and shrubs. Thus, in order to improve the fertility, texture and structure of the soil, as well as to stimulate microbial activity in the soil, you may consider using a natural fertilizer such as (by watering at the roots – one administration during this period) or (by spreading and incorporating it into the top layer of the soil – one administration during this period), as recommended on the product labels.