shocked hinoki—how to help it recover

Question

We completed a significant pruning on a hinoki cypress a week ago. Then the weather got cold for several days before warming back up, and the tree is looking very unhappy. I assume we shocked it and probably pruned too much and too late in the season. Is there anything we can do to prevent it from dying as a result?

Answer 1

They are hardy from zones 5-8. They should handle pruning at this time just fine. This makes me think that they may have a fungal infection. Wettable sulfur should take care of it, although, the dead growth will not recover. The new growth should come out fine. Here is an article on their care: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/false-cypress/growing-hinoki-cypress.htm