Probably sun burn - maybe there is more heat and less humidity than last year. Or there has been less rain. Or you watered it last year but have not continued doing this since.

By the way 'Crippsii' is a tree sized variety that I have seen over 40' tall in my area, with a proportionate spread.

I second that. In my experience it takes 2-3 summers for slightly 'sun-tender' conifers to stop browning (some hardwoods, suich as beech, also). Can you put a shade structure of some sort over it? An umbrella? Make sure to keep it hydrated.

Just to give you an idea of growth...a one year old rooted cutting I planted 20 years ago is 18 feet tall and 10 feet wide at the base.

tj

note the pattern .. interior browning and loss of interior needles is annual and NORMAL ... all conifers shed needles within 3 years... but often you dont see such as the canopy extends and hides such ....

it is increased by drought.. transplant [especially of larger conifers] .. removal of shade trees... etc ...

to be agreeable.. my first thought was sunburn ... and i wonder how bad your summer .. or even last winter was .. or if its a recent addition to your garden... say the last 2 years ...

more info if you want us to hone in... including big city location ...

i see now.. you say its less than one year old... there you go.. a large transplant ... no lets fit in whats happened weather wise.. since then ...

depending on where you are... winter sun reflected off that big rock might also be adding to it ... especially if you notice less damage on the side opposite ...

bottom line.. as long as current growth is looking good... your tree should survive .. all thats left is what it will look like ...

ken