1. Planting: Yoshino Japanese Cedars are tough and adapt well to a variety of soils and climates, although they'll grow best in moist, well-draining soil. They will thrive with little care from zones 5 to 8.

Your Yoshino will grow best in an area with full sun, although it can tolerate partial shade. When you're ready to plant, dig a hole the same width and depth of the Yoshino's root ball, ensuring that the sides of the hole are level or lower than the base of the tree where the roots begin. Place your tree in the hole and fill with the dirt you removed.

If necessary, insert a stake into the ground next to the tree, tying the trunk to the stake to add support until its roots are established. Water thoroughly to ensure that the soil is moist.

2. Watering: Water regularly while your tree is establishing to ensure strong, healthy roots. When mature, Yoshino Japanese Cedar should get a minimum of an inch of water each week (generally, running the hose for 30 seconds to one minute is advised).

3. Fertilizing: Prior to any new growth in the spring, apply an acidic fertilizer. Always mix and apply according to the label directions.

4. Pruning: Your Yoshino Japanese Cedar will grow naturally symmetrical and columnar, so won't require much pruning. Prune back any dead or diseased branches at the start of summer and continue to prune as needed to shape.