A Soft, Round Dwarf Globe for Easy Evergreen Structure

Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Bobozam') is a naturally rounded dwarf that needs no pruning to keep its tidy ball shape. Fine, feathery sage-green foliage takes on a soft bronze cast in winter. At just 2-3 feet tall and wide, it is a dependable, low-care choice for foundations, edging, and small Twin Cities gardens.

Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae Plant Details

Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae Uses in Minnesota Landscapes

Foundation Edging and Front-of-Border Structure

At a tiny 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, Mr. Bowling Ball is one of the smallest evergreens you can plant, holding a soft round shape that never crowds a window or walkway. Repeat several along the front of a foundation bed or as a low evergreen edge, and its fine, feathery sage-green texture provides a gentle contrast to coarser shrubs and perennials in Edina, Plymouth, and Woodbury.

Small Gardens, Rock Gardens, and Containers

Its dwarf size makes Mr. Bowling Ball ideal for the tight beds of townhomes and small lots, rock gardens, and mixed entry containers where a full-size arborvitae would never fit. Tuck single globes among perennials for year-round structure, or group three for a soft cushion of evergreen in Maple Grove or St. Paul. In a container, give it extra winter protection since potted roots aren't insulated.

Soft Texture and Four-Season Form

The fine, almost thread-like foliage sets Mr. Bowling Ball apart from stiffer globe evergreens — it reads soft and informal, softening hard edges and stone. The sage-green summer color shifts to a soft bronze in winter and greens back up in spring, giving subtle seasonal interest while the round form holds all year.

Best Time to Plant Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae in Minnesota

As an evergreen, Mr. Bowling Ball establishes best when planted in late August through mid-September. The soil is still warm enough to drive root growth, while cooler air eases transplant stress and gives the plant six to eight weeks to settle in before the ground freezes around mid-November. Spring (late April through May) is the solid second choice, leaving a full season to root before the first winter. Avoid the heat of midsummer, and never plant after mid-October — evergreens set out too late are prone to winter desiccation before their roots can support them.

How to Plant Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae

1. Dig wide, not deep. Make the hole 2 to 3 times the width of the root ball but no deeper — the top of the root ball should sit slightly above grade. In heavy clay, go even wider.
2. Mind the moisture. Arborvitae like consistent moisture, so a spot that doesn't bake dry is ideal — but avoid standing water; if drainage is poor, mound-plant a few inches high.
3. Backfill with amended soil. Mix your native soil with 20 to 30 percent compost to hold moisture and loosen heavy clay; this species rewards a richer backfill than junipers do.
4. Space for the use. Set plants about 2 to 3 feet apart for a low edge or mass planting, or use single globes as accents.
5. Build a water basin. Form a 3 to 4 inch soil ring around the base to channel water to the roots. Flatten it before winter so ice doesn't collect against the trunk.
6. Mulch with bark. Spread 2 to 3 inches of shredded bark or wood chips, kept 2 inches off the trunk, to lock in the moisture arborvitae crave. Skip gravel mulch — it bakes roots and gives no winter insulation.

Watering Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae in Minnesota

First Year Watering Schedule

• Weeks 1–2: Deep soak every 1 to 2 days (15–25 minutes at a slow trickle).
• Month 1–2: Every 2 to 3 days — arborvitae need more consistent moisture than junipers.
• Month 3–6: Every 4 to 6 days during active growth; don't let the root zone dry out.
• Stop watering 2 to 3 weeks before the ground freezes (late October in the metro) — then give one last deep soak in early December, especially if fall was dry, to limit winter burn.

After Year One

Water deeply through the first two seasons while the plant establishes. After that, Mr. Bowling Ball needs supplemental water mainly during dry spells — a deep soak every 7 to 10 days when there's been two-plus weeks without rain. It is less drought-tolerant than juniper or spruce, so don't let it bake, and always finish with that early-December deep watering before freeze.

Will Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae survive a Minnesota winter?

Yes — it's hardy to roughly -40°F (USDA zone 3), so cold is no concern. Expect the sage-green foliage to take on a soft bronze cast over winter; that's normal for this variety and it greens back up in spring. A deep December watering and, for newly planted globes in exposed spots, a light burlap screen the first winter help limit any browning.

Is it deer-resistant?

No — arborvitae are a favorite winter browse for Minnesota deer, including Mr. Bowling Ball, especially in high-pressure western suburbs like Minnetonka, Wayzata, and Chanhassen. Its small 2-to-3-foot size makes protection easy, though: a quick burlap or netting wrap, or a rotated repellent, gets it through winter. Plan on protecting it the first 2 to 3 winters if deer visit your yard.

How big does it get, and does it need pruning?

It stays remarkably small — around 2 to 3 feet tall and wide — and grows very slowly at just 2 to 4 inches a year, holding its round shape on its own. No shearing is needed; an occasional light trim keeps it tidy if you want a crisper ball.

You May Also Like

• Planet Earth Arborvitae — a slightly larger green globe that resists winter bronzing for steadier color.
• Golden Globe Arborvitae — a rounded globe with bright golden-yellow foliage for a pop of color.
• Autumn Moon Arborvitae — a compact selection with seasonal color shifts for mixed beds.
• Lemon Burst Arborvitae — a small gold-tipped globe that brightens shadier corners.