American arborvitae

American arborvitae need to be watered thoroughly, about once or twice weekly during the summer months, and once a month during winter months. The soil should be kept consistently moist, but not soggy. One way to ensure proper watering is to check the soil on a regular basis to make sure it's slightly damp but not overly wet. If the soil feels dry, water until the soil is evenly moist. Do not let the soil dry out completely, as this can cause the plant to die.

American arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Dorsett Yellow') grows best in areas with full sun and requires at least half a day of direct sunlight in order to thrive. The amount of sunlight that it needs is dependent on the climate and the growing season. In cooler, northern climates, it may need up to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day during the summer. In warmer climates, it can survive with as little as 4 hours of direct sunlight. During the winter months, it needs at least 4 hours of indirect sunlight to stay healthy.

When it comes to pruning American arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Dorsett Yellow'), you should begin annually, usually in the late winter to early spring months. Prune lightly and judiciously in order to promote a pleasing shape and encourage dense foliage. Generally, only remove dead, diseased, or broken branches. When removing more than a few branches at once, prune in stages over a matter of a few years. Depending on the desired look of the tree, you may also lightly prune this species to encourage healthy, new growth.