Doesn't look good. Cut out the dead and hope for the best. Any idea how it was damaged?

That’s what I’m afraid of. I’ll try that thank you! Not sure what caused the damage. I have a total of 10 trees and inspected those and they have no similar damage.

How long have they been planted? Many nurseries offer a one year guarantee so you could replace them.

They’ve been planted for just about two years. Unfortunately over the nurseries guarantee. It’s a good idea though.

There appears to be a stake, tied to the dead stem. Was there wire ties or something that could've strangled it?

You are correct there is a stake, no metal or wires though. I used a Velcro based plant ties and used the same method on some of the other trees and they didn’t have the same dead spots. Perhaps that did cause damage though?

After two years it shouldn't need stakes at all. Unless it was bent by ice or snow.

But no loose ties won't hurt although doesn't help either.

I'd certainly investigate the possibility of a water issue. Both too much and too little water can produce similar symptoms. And either will not necessarily affect the whole tree. The only way you can determine which one it might be is to dig down into the soil just outside the rootball and to its full depth and physically/visually examine the soil moisture level.

How the planting areas was prepared, how the plants have been irrigated and how level the planting site is can all have a substantial bearing how water moves through the soil profile. It is quite possible to have very dry areas very close to very damp areas.

Aside from normal cultural concerns, not much bothers these tough conifers.

Thank you! I will give that a try as well since in the worst scenario it doesn’t make it and I’d want to replace, I’ll want to know if anything in that spot is causing the problem. This has all been really helpful!