Japanese arborvitae

Japanese arborvitae (Thuja standishii) should be watered on a regular basis. It is best to check the soil moisture level before watering. During the active growing season, which is usually in the summer, this plant needs to be watered thoroughly, 2-3 times per week. Make sure the soil is moist, not soggy, and allow the top few inches of soil to dry out in between waterings. In the wintertime, the plant will not need as much watering, as the growth slows down during this season and the soil has less tendency to dry out. Generally, once a month during the colder months is sufficient.

Japanese arborvitae requires full sun exposure of at least 6-8 hours per day. The best time of day to provide the sun is between 8am and 4pm, when the sun's intensity is highest. The plant should be placed in a location that is well-lit by the sun where it will not be shaded by nearby trees or buildings. Additionally, the plant should receive some protection from strong winds.

Japanese arborvitae should be pruned in late winter. Outside of that time frame, pruning can cause new growth that will not have enough time to harden off by winter and may be susceptible to winter damage. Depending on the desired shape and size of the plant, pruning can range from minor shaping to major trimming, removing a third or more of the plant. For small or young trees, only remove a few branches. For larger or older trees, remove thicker branches while avoiding the larger main branches.