If it is a sqarrosa type, like Boulevard, Squarrosa Lutea, Veitchi, etc., then it's probably just normal if the tree is 4 ft or larger. One of the unattractive qualities of this type of false cypress as they age. Of course, any undesireable environmental problems like those previously mentioned will increase the problem. Do you know the name?

Sort of looks like a citrus of some sort to me,the picture with the bloom to the right of it looks like a tiny citrus.Thats how my citrus usually looks anyway.Debbie

Dig around the roots, down at least 6". If it's dry, WATER it! Under a slight overhang, it may not be getting much, if any of the rains - depending on the direction of the wind. It's one of the aggravations of planting - the nice, sheltered places are so often also the ones that need a little extra attention paid to them to be sure all is well. I would keep a close eye on the soil at the roots of the Sun Gold, and make sure it stays as evenly moist as you can - let the top inch or 2 dry out and then soak it. Don't water on a set schedule, but rather according to how dry the ground is when you stick a finger into, it to the second knuckle. Of course if it is soggy around the roots, when you check, then you may actually have to provide for better drainage, but that's not too likely to be the problem.

in z5 ... you are at least TWO MONTHS ... early to make determinations of viability ... in other words.. put down the shears.. and the fert and walk away ... come back in late may.. and then see what you have ... and where are you ... here in MI .... bad winter.. lots of winter browning .. then we have to find out if you planted it properly ... were they an end of year bargain plant??? bigboxstore???? how did you plant them ... potted .. ball and burlap ...??? are they guaranteed ??? what was your watering protocol in late fall??? are they mulched. can you post a pic?? life is all tied up in the tip ends.. where the buds are.. no matter how ugly they are.. if the buds burst.. and grow.. the plants will recover ... if those buds are brown.. the branch is dead.. and then you will have to remove the branch.. what is left.. will make it your decision if they are too ugly for the front door ... as noted.. fertilizer is not going to help any of this .... any chance at a pic ... we can usually tell the difference between winter browning and near death .. i hope it works out for you ken