I know I'm not answering your question - but it must be observed that this is considered a fairly shade intolerant conifer - and it seems to be in a shady spot.

It isnt in full shade but does back up yo trees. i will mulch it. the keader is still flflexible so i presume not dead.

instead of insects , I would worry more about enough watering

ron

hi kitasei, Any chance you have deer visiting?

If there are no live buds on the leader it is as good as dead regardless how flexible it is.

tj

I have heavy deer pressure. i can put it in a cage til it gets bigger

Clip off a piece. If it is brown inside, it is dead,

Doubt if deer are bothering it in the warm season -- they tend to eat needle-trees only in the cold season when green leafy stuff isn't available. Might be stem weevils causing the damage.

The damage was done in the winter i think, but ill try to cover both bases by dpraying with Neem oil and protectingg from deer.