American arborvitae

The American arborvitae requires consistent watering during the first year of growth. Allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to become dry before watering. This will prevent overwatering, which can cause root rot. After the first year, water the arborvitae when the top 3-4 inches of soil become dry during the summer months. During the cooler months, water every 1-2 weeks.

American arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Dark Green') thrives best in full sun or partial shade. For this species, the ideal amount of sunlight would be 6-8 hours of direct sunlight on most days during the growing season in order to produce the highest quality foliage. If grown in partial shade, supplemental lighting may be necessary during the winter months. In the hottest regions, this species may need additional protection from the harshest sunlight in the summer months.

American arborvitae is a popular landscaping staple, but its care does require regular maintenance, including pruning. Pruning can be done twice a year, once in late winter or early spring and once in late summer, or in early fall. In late winter/early spring, shaping pruning should be done to improve the overall form and reduce the size of the plant. In late summer/early fall, light pruning can be done to remove any errant branches that have grown since the early spring. When pruning American arborvitae, thin out the inside of the plant, removing the older and weaker branches and shaping the outer edges to make a more full and natural looking plant. Take off no more than 1-third of the foliage at a time, so as to not shock the plant. Pruning shears should be sharp to ensure the cleanest cuts in order to protect the plant from disease.