Question
At the end of April, 2 italian blue cypress trees were planted in my backyard. I live in a sunny coastal area near Monterey, CA, but up a hill and back from the ocean. The soil is sandy but some compost was added at planting. The trees  were from Monrovia Nursery and healthy looking at purchase, about 5 feet tall.
About a month ago I noticed browning of the foliage on the bottom and now when I look inside the foliage is turning brown and thinning near the trunk as well. I also saw one very large beetle (about an inch and a half), but only one.

I wasn't there when they were planted -- but looking at the bottom the crown of the tree seems to have been covered. Thought this might be part of the problem -- would it help to remove soil around the bottom now? Any suggestions on how to help these trees?

Answer
Could have been planted too deep or it is just under going stress from the planting and needs water. Dig down near the trunk and you should find that the trunk will enlarge slightly just below the soil surface. If this is the case it it ok. If you have to dig down several inches to feel this flare it is planted too deep. You can remove some of the top soil around the root system making sure you do not dig too much so that the roots are exposed,

I would water with 1 inch of water-place a pan under the tree and turn the sprinkler on and when the pan has 1 inch of water in it stop. Do this once a week until the Fall. Also if the tree does not have mulch around it I would mulch the tree with not more than 3 inches deep of organic mulch not piled up on the trunk. Pine straw is good. This will help hold moisture around the tree.