AusBonsai

Found a tiny spider today, I saw some silk threads and this minute spider. I caught it and thought I had it anchored to get my camera, but the ants beat me. Could this insect have done the destructive damage to this tree. I continue to feed with Thrive and Seasol, even checked the potting mix and changed it to fresh.

Sounds like spider mites. Possibly red spider mite. You can identify presence of mites by putting a piece of white paper under a branch and tapping the branch. Mites look like tiny dots that move. They can be difficult to eradicate. You can use pest oil to eradicate the eggs and thus disrupt the life cycle. Systemic insecticides ( Folimat, Lebaycid and Rogor) can be effective but they are dangerous and are not readily available, I don't recommend these. Increased humidity in the foliage of plants discourages the mites. Suggest you pm Shibui, he may have better advice.

Good luck

Roger

While we have discussed this tree in another thread which was unfortunately ruined.
I have still not yet got confirmation that this species of tree will actually survive and thrive in QLD?

So I ask the question again - has / does anyone successfully grow Hinoki in QLD?

I suspect there's a very good chance this species is not going to thrive in Brisbane. No doubt killing the pests will give it a bit more time, but not having a cold winter will probably be causing it to fail slowly...

The tree has survived for nearly 5 years in Brisbane. I'd like to also hear if anyone up this way has any info on their experience with an Hinoki Cypress.

if you use a reverse cycle heater in winter put it near the fan outflow breeze--perhaps

maybe even direct the air into a 'cool' tent for your deciduous trees---perhaps