Sections of pale foliage appearing during summer can be mites, which definitely get on these here. Otherwise cultivar is more prone to root rot than usual, resulting in quantities of questions on the internet about hedges of it developing dead, brown sections. But it doesn't sound like that is what you are asking about. If you have pieces you think aren't right you can cut and transport samples of you might want to try your nearest USDA Cooperative Extension branch office - if you can get there during open hours. Or at least a good independent garden center.

ssrox-our cabinets have plywood boxes and remember the sink is cut out (same with a cooktop I would think) so there is not near as much weight right there. I think this is common? We haven't had any issues. Also we have a 15" overhang on our peninsula and that does not have under counter supports. We actually didn't realize until almost too late that the tile we put down on the floor was thicker than the linoleum we pulled up so our stove would have stood taller than the counters - awkwardly out of place taller. So at the last minute we did put some oak trim pieces around the perimeter of the cabinets for the counter to go on as well but that was totally an almost afterthought and only due to the height issue. If you want other pics/views let me know. Have you spoken to the fabricator about this concern for their input/suggestions? We bought our stone straight from a fabricator and he came out and did the measuring/templating himself. lyn-you have really been through it! Doing a kitchen update is a process itself without all of the other life issues. Sorry about your doggie, know the feeling. We have 18" porcelain tile (we diy'd) and we did not put them under the cabinets. You have to be careful where the dishwasher is concerned and watch height of counters then (read above) but otherwise not a problem. Notice I didn't put up a pic of the other side of our kitchen....our appliances are so outdated and don't match (white fridge with nice faded yellow handles, very attractive)! They are all starting to die too and will be replaced as we go. Thank you for the compliments and make sure you post your pics when you get through yours. I am sure there are many more budget overhauls than we see. Really check out Lisa_WI's post it's current - she did her whole kitchen for $16k I think.

The one in the center is going to be abnormally gaunt when the dead foliage drops or is shaken out. Usually this cultivar presents a solid outer surface which obscures or more or less completely hides the dead inner foliage. Which means there is an issue, probably insufficient soil moisture. Otherwise 'Smaragd' is more susceptible to root rot than usual for Thuja occidentalis, cannot therefore be planted where water puddles or there is another soil wetness condition. The dead branch on the other is probably some kind of blight, unless the branch was broken. If you are in the US and available when they are open your best bet for possible plant disease issue identification may be your local USDA Cooperative Extension office. They will need to see samples of affected parts.

I feel like I wrote this post! Ha! We just did the same thing in my husbands office. He does have high ceilings but walls were bland and he wanted moody green. We used SW 6475 Country Squire and are so happy with it. We did the trim in a bright white and all frames on the wall black to match the desk/chair. Got a light rug from rugs USA. I will post some pictures if it helps you to visualize your room. (We haven’t done anything on the windows yet).