To help your Arborvitae thrive, consider adding amendments to the soil before planting, especially if you have heavy clay or sandy soil. An acid-based plant food can boost soil fertility and water retention, giving your tree the nutrients it needs to grow strong and healthy. You can also mix in organic matter like compost or peat moss. This will improve soil structure, aeration, and nutrient content, creating an ideal environment for the roots. To help your Arborvitae retain moisture and suppress weed growth, apply a layer of wood mulch around the base of the tree. Aim for a depth of about 2-3 inches, and leave a gap of about 4 inches between the mulch and the trunk to prevent bark scorching and decay