Pest identification
What's eating my golden globe arborvitae?
Deer
Signs: Whole shrub can be browsed to bare stems; low stature makes all foliage reachable
Control: Physical fencing or netting; deer repellent spray applied regularly; plant in areas with high foot traffic if possible
Bagworm (Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis)
Signs: Silk-and-foliage bags on branches; progressive defoliation weakens and can kill small shrubs
Control: Hand-pick bags in winter; Bt spray in late June targeting newly hatched larvae
Spider mites (Tetranychus spp.)
Signs: Foliage stippled, bronzed or bleached; webbing between branchlets during hot dry spells
Control: Mist foliage regularly to raise humidity; horticultural oil or miticide when populations are high
Keep golden globe arborvitae pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Golden Globe Arborvitae pests — FAQ
What is eating my golden globe arborvitae?
Golden Globe Arborvitae, with its compact golden globe form, is most damaged by deer browsing and bagworm infestations. Spider mites become problematic in hot, dry summers. Its small size means even moderate deer browsing is disfiguring. Repellents and netting are the frontline defences in suburban gardens.
How do I get rid of deer on golden globe arborvitae?
Whole shrub can be browsed to bare stems; low stature makes all foliage reachable Physical fencing or netting; deer repellent spray applied regularly; plant in areas with high foot traffic if possible
How do I get rid of bagworm (thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis) on golden globe arborvitae?
Silk-and-foliage bags on branches; progressive defoliation weakens and can kill small shrubs Hand-pick bags in winter; Bt spray in late June targeting newly hatched larvae
How do I get rid of spider mites (tetranychus spp.) on golden globe arborvitae?
Foliage stippled, bronzed or bleached; webbing between branchlets during hot dry spells Mist foliage regularly to raise humidity; horticultural oil or miticide when populations are high