The spherical robinia inspires with a densely closed, lavishly branched, round crown. Thanks to its pronounced pruning tolerance, you can shape the picturesque house tree as you wish. Read this guide to learn when and how to properly trim the stylish acacia graft.

In order for the spherical robinia to remain spherical, a pruning should be carried out from time to time

The best time is in late winter

In the leafless stage, the pruning tolerance of a spherical robinia comes into its own. Pruning measures within the crown achieve the maximum effect primarily in late winter, just before the new shoots begin. Choose a date with frost-free, dry weather, preferably without blazing winter sun.

Thin out the naturally beautiful crown occasionally

The spherical robinia forms its picturesque crown, because the law of top-flight promotion is overridden due to breeding interventions. In concrete terms, this means that growth is not concentrated on the top bud, but that all shoots grow almost evenly all around.

Over the years, the spherical crown has increased massively in height and width by up to 5 meters, without the trunk growing with it as a wild base. If you can offer your spherical acacia the appropriate scope for development, trimming is limited to occasional thinning out of the crown. How to do it right:

  • Thin out every 2 to 3 years in late winter
  • Cut off damaged, inward branches and stunted branches
  • Cut deadwood on knots

Shoots with a diameter of up to 3 centimeters can be mastered with pruning shears or pruning shears. You can cut off thicker branches with a folding saw (€17.70), which is easy to maneuver in the tightest of spaces. It is important to note that you do not cut into the bulging transition from branch to trunk. The so-called astring contains valuable cambium, which is responsible for wound healing.

Topiary regulates crown expansion

A lack of space or windbreaks require extensive pruning of the crown. Now you benefit from the distinctive cut compatibility of a spherical locust. As long as you don't cut into the grafting area, the size of the cut is up to your horticultural judgement. How to proceed professionally:

  • Thin out dead branches beforehand
  • Cut back all main branches by up to two thirds
  • Smooth out cuts with a sharp, disinfected knife
  • Cut off shoots from the trunk at the base
  • Tear off shoots from the tree disc with a strong jerk

The key to success is precise cutting. Position saw or pruning shears about 1/4 inch above a bud or dormant eye. Each cut causes a sap accumulation in the branch, whereupon previously inactive buds sprout as new branches.

You should not only remove shoots from the trunk or the tree grate in connection with a topiary. These are strong growing wild shoots. Cut or tear off the uninvited branches in a timely manner, otherwise they will overgrow the noble crown.

tips

With a spherical acacia, you do not have to worry about heavy sap flow, as when cutting a spherical maple. Nevertheless, you should exercise caution, because all parts of Robinia pseudoacacia are poisonous. The bark in particular is permeated by toxic substances. Please wear gloves, long-sleeved clothing and safety goggles when thinning or trimming your robinia.

Category:

Trees