Troubleshooting
Mr Bowling Ball Arborvitae problems — and how to fix them
Mr Bowling Ball Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Bobozam') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Foliage browning from drought
The fine, feathery foliage browns quickly if soil dries out severely; keep evenly moist and mulched.
Winter bronzing
Cold can bronze the soft foliage over winter; colour generally recovers in spring.
Spider mites
Hot, dry conditions encourage mites that brown the delicate foliage; hose off and treat with horticultural oil if needed.
Snow load distortion
Wet snow can flatten the soft globe; gently brush off heavy accumulation to keep the shape.
Prevent mr bowling ball arborvitae problems before they start
Most mr bowling ball arborvitae issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
- Common arborvitae problems — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Mr Bowling Ball Arborvitae watering schedule
- Mr Bowling Ball Arborvitae light requirements
- Best soil mix for mr bowling ball arborvitae
- Mr Bowling Ball Arborvitae temperature & humidity
- Full mr bowling ball arborvitae care guide
Looking for mr bowling ball arborvitae in general rather than its problems? Read the full mr bowling ball arborvitae care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Mr Bowling Ball Arborvitae problems — FAQ
Why is my mr bowling ball arborvitae foliage browning from drought?
The fine, feathery foliage browns quickly if soil dries out severely; keep evenly moist and mulched.
Why is my mr bowling ball arborvitae winter bronzing?
Cold can bronze the soft foliage over winter; colour generally recovers in spring.
Why is my mr bowling ball arborvitae spider mites?
Hot, dry conditions encourage mites that brown the delicate foliage; hose off and treat with horticultural oil if needed.
Why is my mr bowling ball arborvitae snow load distortion?
Wet snow can flatten the soft globe; gently brush off heavy accumulation to keep the shape.