American arborvitae

American arborvitae needs to be watered deeply about twice a week. During the growing season, which typically runs from spring to late summer, you should aim to provide 1 to 2 inches of water a week, adjusted depending on your local weather and soil type. In the winter, water less frequently, about once a month or when the soil surface begins to feel dry.

American arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Danica') prefer full sun to partial shade, and need 6-8 hours of direct sunlight a day to thrive. When grown in full sun, the plant produces denser, bushier foliage, and may reach up to 6 feet in height. In partially shaded areas, American arborvitae may grow more slowly, and stay shorter and narrower than specimens grown in full sun. Planting in a spot that receives morning sun and shade in the afternoon is ideal, as this allows the plant's foliage to become sturdy and develop its natural color and form.

Pruning American arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Danica') should be done once a year in late winter or early spring. Regular pruning helps enhance the form and overall appearance of a landscape. Begin by removing broken, diseased, or dead branches first. The next step should be to thin out branch growth around the tree. The third step involves trimming out any crossing or rubbing branches and overlong shoots. Make sure to use a sharp pair of pruning shears when removing tiny branches. The final step is to shape and sculpt the tree in whatever form you desire. This can range from a perfect ball-shape to a more all-natural look. Whatever the case, make sure to use your desired final form as an outline and work your way inwards, making sure to prune out any branches that violate the outline.