The New Zealand Plant Conservation Network

Hello everyone. I was wondering if anyone could help out. I have titokis planted along my western border. The leaves on several of the trees are browning off and dying, causing the tree to become very sparse. On the other side of the fence is a conifer type tree which grows above and over some of my Titokis. Attached is a photo of the titokis and conifer. Can anyone tell me what effect conifers have on other tress if the leaves/needles drop onto them? Alternatively what else could cause the leaves to die. The soil is pretty good and slightly clay, with bark mulch. I have recently put a slow release plant food tablet at the base of each tree and have kept them well watered. Any advice would be great. Thanks.

Consider talking to a native plant nursery - Oratia Native Plant Nurseries. West Auckland would be your closest 'experts' on the cultivation of this tree - but to my untutored eye, and with experience of living in Auckland I cannot help but wonder whether what you are seeing is the result of drought stress? My titoki do this when they are competing for water from other larger trees - just a thought

That was something that crossed my mind, but I was relatively confident that they had enough water. Perhaps not. I will try a native plant nursery as well. Thanks for the advice Peter.