Slight yellowing of internal foliage/stems on Shimpaku

[Ghoulbath]

Hey all! I’ve posted about this tree before, with a ton of help received (thank you!).

I did a repot on this about a month ago, and so far it’s been sprouting new growth and looking good, however I have noticed a bit of yellowing here and there and some dried out/pale internal foliage that’s easily come off (lack of light?) and I’m just wondering what might look normal and what might not.

This is my first shimpaku, still very much learning its habits. Any insight appreciated! (I’m in CT, as of two weeks ago it receives full sun and I dry out about 90% or more between waterings).

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Shedding old growth is common this time of year.

 

[Shibui]

Is it yellow on the stems you are concerned about?
That is normal as the stems age and change from fresh green to the brown/grey of mature bark.
I can't see any yellow needles in the pics but that's also normal as the oldest needles die from old age.

Need to recognise both these factors and plan for the future. Branches growing ever longer and shedding interior needles means branches gradually become long and bare with tufts of foliage out at the ends. Plan to gradually remove longer parts in favour of shorter shoots to maintain density and size.

 

[Ghoulbath]

Is it yellow on the stems you are concerned about?
That is normal as the stems age and change from fresh green to the brown/grey of mature bark.
I can't see any yellow needles in the pics but that's also normal as the oldest needles die from old age.

Need to recognise both these factors and plan for the future. Branches growing ever longer and shedding interior needles means branches gradually become long and bare with tufts of foliage out at the ends. Plan to gradually remove longer parts in favour of shorter shoots to maintain density and size.

This makes sense. Appreciate the feedback. I planned on foliage maintenance probably end of this month! Thanks