Needle yellowing on Blue Atlas Cedar

[takira]

I'm assuming this is a husbandry issue on my part, but just to double-check...I have a big gorgeous Blue Atlas Cedar (in nursery pot, no work started on it) that I purchased in mid-May. Since then it's been living on a bench on my patio, up against the house to limit its chances for blowing over.

I'm noticing yellow/pale needles, primarily on the underside of branches and particularly on the branches that were facing the house. I'm guessing this is most likely either lack of light (I've turned it around today so it can get better sun on this side), overwatering or some combination thereof, but thought I'd check if anyone thinks something more sinister is going on.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[WNC Bonsai]

Looks like old needles sloughing off.

 

[takira]

...given I've been clearing old needles off my pines, I'm not quite sure how I didn't just extrapolate. >_>;; But y'know what, I'll take it!

This is the glorious beast in question, who will be getting his first big pruning-and-wiring this summer and may end up potted next spring.



Many thanks for the help!