American arborvitae

American arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Yellow Ribbon') plants are hardy and drought resistant, so they don’t need to be watered too often. In the first few weeks after planting, water every 5-7 days if possible, making sure each session saturates the root system. Once it's established, water once every 2 weeks in summer and once a month in spring and fall during periods of drought and dry weather. During rainy weather, no additional watering is needed. Make sure the soil stays damp but not soggy. It’s preferable to water in the morning rather than in the evening to prevent fungus and disease.

American arborvitae should receive full sun to partial shade in order to thrive. The most optimal sunlight for this species is at least 5 to 6 hours of sunlight daily. During the summer months, it is best if the plant is exposed to full sun, preferably in the early morning and again at dusk. During the winter months, however, American arborvitae should be placed in partial shade in order to minimize damage from the cold temperatures. It should also be protected from strong winds that can cause dehydration and drought-like conditions.

American arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Yellow Ribbon’) should be pruned regularly in the spring, starting at the end of March or the beginning of April. Pruning at this time helps the plant to get off to a strong start and encourages new growth throughout the growing season. This plant should be pruned lightly to maintain the desired form and shape, as well as to limit its height. The outer branches of the American arborvitae should also be trimmed and thinned out if necessary. It is important to note that this plant should not be pruned past late June as pruning after this time may cause harm to the plant. Additionally, pruning should be kept to a minimum in order to avoid stressing the plant. As a general rule, prune no more than 1-third of the total foliage in a season.