Cut the ball acacia in 4 steps

The spherical acacia is a decorative tree that impresses above all with its spherical crown. However, this is only a pseudo acacia that belongs to the Robinia. With a total height of around two meters, a crown width between four and five meters is achieved. But in order to give the spherical line its appearance and to maintain it, it needs the corresponding regular pruning. Especially when there is not enough space for the sweeping crown. To ensure that everything is done correctly when cutting, the following article was created.

The right moment

When is the right time for the pruning of the spherical acacia, it depends above all on the pruning carried out. Many hobby gardeners keep the cut in late winter until spring before the new shoot for ideal. Because if the spherical line is cut shortly before budding, it quickly shines in its old splendor. After budding, you should definitely not prune, because then it can happen that the tree looks "plucked" over the summer. But also in autumn, especially when the ball acacia has suffered storm damage, it can be pruned. It is important to choose the right day:

• no expected frost
• especially important in late autumn
• covered but dry
• when it rains, moisture can penetrate the interfaces
• this promotes bacteria or fungi
• the interface can burn in the sun

If the winter is very long and frosty or very wet, pruning should be avoided in the spring. Because night frosts or a lot of rain can also damage the tree at the interfaces and thus allow frost and moisture to penetrate. This can quickly create an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, viruses or fungi.

Cut regularly

Regular cutting is important with the spherical straight line. Because this is the only way to keep it in its spherical shape. Regular pruning is also important for the health of the tree. Because dead and damaged branches can also damage the entire plant. Over time, fungi form on this, which can then fall back on the healthy branches. Therefore, the spherical acacia should receive a clearing cut once a year. If branches are damaged due to a storm or frost, they can be cut several times a year.

How to cut acacia balls correctly: instructions

Regular cut

Regular thinning is important for the ball acacia. This makes it inconspicuous, but also rejuvenates it regularly. This is better than radical pruning, which is not necessary with good care and regular pruning. When cutting the ball line, you should always wear long clothes and, most importantly, gloves. Because all parts of the plant are poisonous and especially when pruning, the skin comes into contact with the poison. The regular cut is then carried out as follows:

• remove any diseased or damaged branches
• cut directly at the base
• Unfortunately, this can damage symmetry
• The crown is no longer spherical
• therefore also remove branches that disturb the visual balance
• also directly at the approach
• close large wounds
• then thin out the crown a little

It is better to work in pairs when pruning Robinia pseudoacacia so that the spherical shape is retained. So one stands on the ladder and cuts, the other looks from a distance to see what the shape looks like and gives instructions.

Thin out

If the tree has grown nicely without showing any damage, you should only carefully cut the acacia. Thinning is important here so that the branches and shoots inside do not interfere with each other and this could lead to competition. In such a case, the branches die and the inside becomes bald. When clearing out, you should pay attention to the following:

• Remove branches that are growing horizontally
• two branches take their place, cut one of them
• Cut shoots that grow in the wrong direction
• cut at the base of the branch directly in front of the astring
• so the tree can close the wound against fungi and bacteria
• this applies to damaged and healthy branches

Shorten

Especially when there are storms in autumn, the outer shoots of the crown of the acacia can be affected. Then the crown should be shortened by about 2/3 in total. In this way, the robinia can form an even, spherical shape again next year. In order to facilitate new growth, the shortening cut is always cut back to sleeping eyes. This is where the new shoots emerge with the next shoot.

Radical cut back

If the tree has been severely damaged due to a storm or other weather conditions, only radical pruning can help. However, this should really only be carried out in an extreme emergency. Because if you cut the acacia radically, there is a risk that the tree will die. The following should therefore be taken into account in the radical cutback:

• always cut above a finishing point
• otherwise the spherical line drives out below
• spherical shape is lost
• remove all damaged branches
• always cut below if a branch breaks
• otherwise too many bacteria will invade

Right tool

To ensure that Robinia pseudoacacia is not damaged when pruning, it is important to use the right tools. Garden shears or loppers can be used for light shoots. A pruning saw is ideal for thicker branches that have to be removed due to storm damage. A ladder is a good way to get to the crown. The tool also needs the following properties:

• clean and disinfected
• Use pure alcohol from the pharmacy
• Disinfectants from the garden trade
• spicy
• blurred tool damages the tree

If you work with unclean or blurred tools, this increases the risk of bacteria, Fungi or viruses get into the tree via the interface and thus cause massive damage from the inside can.