American arborvitae

American arborvitae should be watered every few days in hot weather and every 7–10 days in cooler weather. Water until the soil appears saturated but not waterlogged. During the growing season (spring and summer months) it is best to water to a depth of 2–3 feet. In the winter months, water only to a depth of 1–2 feet. It is best to water American arborvitae in the morning or early evening when temperatures are cooler and there is less evaporation. Avoid getting the foliage wet when watering. It is important to check the soil before watering - if the soil is still damp, there is no need to water.

American arborvitae requires full sun to achieve its best color and growth, with exposure to at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. It can also tolerate partial shade, however, with less sun exposure it will grow slower and display a light green, yellow or gold color. When growing in full sun, it will develop rich gold and yellow hues. In areas with very hot direct sun and little shade, it is best to plant in an area with afternoon shade or full morning sun for best results.

American arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis (Aurea Group)) should be pruned in late winter to very early spring, before the new growth begins. This plant is very forgiving of pruning and can be pruned as needed to control shape and size, or to remove dead or diseased branches. If pruning more drastically, limit the pruning to no more than 1-third the height or size of the tree. This will help the plant recover quickly and reduce the shock of excessive pruning.