The ball trumpet tree is created by grafting a trumpet tree (Catalpa bignonioides) and is particularly striking because of its spherical shape. This grows in a completely natural way, so that the tree does not actually have to be pruned. In addition, the ball trumpet tree - the "Nana" variety in particular is very popular - remains significantly smaller than its relative, which can be up to 18 meters high. It is therefore also suitable for smaller gardens and does not have to be kept in shape by pruning.
Young trees in particular can easily be brought into shape by pruning
Thinning out the crown is enough
It is true that the ball trumpet tree is a very pruning-friendly companion, which will not even take it amiss if you cut off its crown, but regular pruning or rejuvenation pruning is basically superfluous. With older trees in particular, it is sufficient to thin out the crown from time to time and cut out dead or diseased wood. However, you should be careful not to simply shorten individual shoots - because the ball trumpet tree likes to react to such a measure with the development of unsightly spider veins. Otherwise, a new shoot will follow quite quickly, even after a more radical pruning.
Shape young trees
If you bought your ball trumpet tree in a tree nursery, you will certainly have been advised to cut it back after planting - if this has not already been done by a specialist. Such a cut can indeed be very useful for young trees, because it causes the crown to sprout more densely. In addition, the subsequent leaves often become larger afterwards. But the same applies here: Never just shorten individual branches, but carry out a courageous head tree cut.
Do not prune ball trumpet tree in the fall
Since the globe trumpet tree is quite sensitive to very frosty temperatures, you should never cut it in autumn - otherwise the tree may not have any reserves over the winter and simply freeze completely. Instead, the frozen shoots can also be removed in spring, with pruning ideally being carried out on a warm day between February and April. A late pruning does not harm the ball trumpet tree, after all, it only drives out very late.
tips
After a harsh winter or a severe storm, you may have to prune your ball tree completely. However, this does not damage the wood if you prune the crown above the grafting point.