Goldcrest Cypress Inner Browning: Drought Stress, Not Pruning Fix

Cupressus macrocarpa ‘Goldcrest’ in Pretoria shows green tips but dead inner branches. The owner treats for Italian cypress aphid preventatively. The expert notes this species hates prolonged heat/drought (native to foggy California coast). Inner dieback is likely drought stress, not aphids. Do NOT prune back to brown wood—Cupressus won’t regenerate from old wood. Continue aphid treatment, ensure deep watering during heat waves, and accept some inner thinning.