Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae Winter: Bold Blue-Green Year-Round Privacy Screen

Your Mr. Bowling Ball arborvitae needs a little winter prep to stay that bold blue-green all season long. 🌲 I’ve watched mine survive harsh winters by following a few key steps—like adjusting water, protecting from wind, and knowing when to prune (or not).

The biggest mistake? Treating winter care like summer care. Cold weather slows growth, so water only when the top inch of soil feels dry, and wrap young plants in burlap if winds howl. Mulch around the base to lock in warmth, but don’t pile it against the trunk—this prevents rot.

By spring, you’ll see those dense, rounded branches back in full force, ready to block nosy neighbors and brighten your yard. The secret is patience and a few simple adjustments that keep it thriving even when temps drop.

Works for any climate, but pay extra attention in zones with heavy snow or freezing winds. Let’s keep that evergreen looking its best all winter long.

What you need

Step-by-Step guide to winterizing Mr. bowling Ball arborvitae for year-round privacy

Here's how I keep these bold blue-green shrubs thriving through cold months—no yellowing, no browning, just lush color all winter.

Start by giving your Mr. Bowling Ball arborvitae a thorough once-over in late fall. Look for any dead, brown, or diseased branches—these need to go before winter sets in. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to make cuts just above a healthy bud or branch collar. I cut back about 1/3 of the oldest growth to encourage fresh new growth in spring.

This is also the time to shape the plant lightly. These arborvitae grow in that perfect rounded form, but winter winds can flatten them. Trim any branches that are growing inward or crossing to maintain that signature bowling ball shape. Never remove more than 25% of the plant's foliage in one season—it stresses the shrub and makes winter recovery harder.

Mr. Bowling Ball arborvitae handle cold well, but they can suffer from winter burn or desiccation when winds dry out the foliage. If you're in a windy area or expecting particularly cold snaps, consider wrapping the lower 1/3 of the plant with burlap or frost cloth. Secure it loosely—too tight and you'll restrict airflow, which can cause other problems.

For extra protection, I apply a thick layer of 3-4 inches of mulch around the base, keeping it 6 inches away from the trunk. This insulates the roots and helps retain moisture during dry winter winds. Water the plant deeply before the ground freezes—this gives the roots a reserve to draw on during cold months. You'll know it's time to stop watering when the ground feels hard and frozen to the touch.

Check your arborvitae every 2-3 weeks during winter to ensure it's holding up. Look for signs of winter burn—tips of branches turning brown or crispy. If you see this, don't panic. It's usually just the outer needles drying out. The plant will shed these and grow new ones in spring. Avoid pruning off these brown tips—it won't help and can stress the plant further.

If you notice heavy snow accumulation, gently brush it off the branches. Too much weight can cause breakage, especially on younger plants. A soft broom or your gloved hands work well—just be gentle. Keep an eye out for pests like spider mites or scale, which can hide in winter debris. A quick spray with water can often dislodge them before they become a problem.

As winter starts to fade and you see new growth beginning, it's time to plan for spring. In early spring, give your arborvitae a light trim to remove any remaining dead or damaged growth. This encourages fresh, vibrant new growth and helps maintain that perfect shape. I usually do this just as the buds start to swell but before they break open.

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer around the base of the plant. This gives it a nutrient boost to support the new growth. Water deeply once or twice during dry spells in early spring to help the roots establish and the plant recover from winter. By the time summer rolls around, your Mr. Bowling Ball arborvitae will be lush, green, and ready to provide that bold privacy screen you love.

Tips & tricks for perfect year-round arborvitae care

Keeping your Mr. Bowling Ball arborvitae vibrant through winter takes just a few smart moves—and avoiding these common pitfalls makes all the difference.

Pruning Precision: When you're cutting back that 1/3 of oldest growth in Step 1, focus on the very tips of branches rather than hacking into the center. The goal is to encourage fresh growth from the inside out, not create bald spots. I use a small notepad to mark branches that need attention—this keeps me from over-trimming in one area. Remember, those clean cuts just above a healthy bud are key to preventing disease entry points.

Winter Protection Hacks: For the lower 1/3 wrapping in Step 2, I've found that using frost cloth instead of burlap works better because it's lighter and lets more light through. Secure it loosely with twine—tight wraps can actually trap moisture against the branches, creating ideal conditions for fungal issues. And here's a trick: if you're in a particularly snowy area, wrap the entire plant in frost cloth before heavy snowfall. The weight of snow on top helps compress the cloth against the branches, providing extra insulation.

Monitoring Made Easy: Those 2-3 week winter checks in Step 3 don't have to be complicated. I keep a simple chart with three columns: "Date," "Observations," and "Action Taken." This helps me spot patterns—like if winter burn always appears after certain wind patterns. For snow removal, I use a soft-bristle push broom with a long handle. It's gentle enough to avoid damaging new growth while being effective at clearing heavy accumulations.

Frequently asked questions