The name of the maple says it all. But it's not just its spherical shape that makes it so popular in our gardens. It is also very easy to care for.
The spherical maple (Acer globosum) is created by the so-called top refinement of the Norway maple. It gets its name from the spherical crown of the tree. The leaves show the shape typical of maple leaves: serrated several times and growing in umbels. In autumn, the leaves change color from golden yellow to bright red, depending on the variety. In spring, the maple also forms winged seeds. Because of the beautiful shape and pretty leaves, the ornamental tree is often planted in the garden.
- Family: Soapberry Family
- Subfamily: Horse Chestnut Family
- Genus: Maples
- Species: Norway maple / Acer platanoides
- Botanical name: Acer globosum
The ball maple grows between three and five meters high and is very suitable for gardens due to its low height. But keep in mind: the crown of the tree is sprawling and can be a few meters in diameter, one reason why the tree needs a correspondingly large distance from the house wall. Perfect for the home garden, it can also be planted in a large container, but the restricted growing conditions will make it smaller.
The rounded crown develops its shape by itself. A shape cut is therefore not necessary. You should only use the scissors if the crown of the tree is too lush. In general, the tree grows rather slowly. The final level is therefore only reached after a few years. The straight-growing trunk develops a strong girth.
| Globe maple (Acer globosum) | |
|---|---|
| Growth Speed: | 20 - 40 cm a year |
| Growth: | 500 - 600 cm |
| Growth: | 500 - 600 cm |
| Root system: | Herzwurzler |
| Location: | Sun to partial shade |
| Floor: | normal, not too difficult |
Location and soil conditions
The maple tree loves light and sun, so it can withstand extreme heat. On the other hand, it does not like wind, which is why a sheltered location is ideal. The tree puts on the groundno special requirements, the soil should just not be too acidic. Regular garden soil mixed with compost is optimal. The size of the planting hole is more important, because the roots need a lot of space. A planting hole that corresponds to the circumference of the tree crown is ideal. You must loosen the subsoil well so that the roots can grow unhindered.
You can plant the maple at any time of the year when the weather is frost-free. However, after planting and in the first few weeks after planting, you must remember that the maple tree needs a lot of water. Later, watering once a week is sufficient. After a year, the tree is well established and can do without additional water, except during very long and warm dry periods.
Some care measures
➔ Pouring maple
It's better to water less often and then plentifully. The reason for this is the "training effect" for the roots. With a running water supply, the roots remain shallow. Dry soil, on the other hand, causes the tree to form deep roots and is better able to take care of itself.
➔ Fertilize maple
The maple does not need fertilizer. In the spring, however, you can enrich the trunk environment with compost.
➔ Cut maple
A topiary is not necessary. If necessary, you can remove dead branches and thin out a too dense, lush crown.
➔ Winter maple
The tree is frost-resistant and hardy. It can therefore survive the cold season without any special winter protection.
Control of common diseases and pests
❒ Powdery mildew
Insects can hardly pose a threat to the maple, because he althy maples are resilient and robust. Powdery mildew can occasionally appear, but it usually disappears on its own. It is only important that you remove affected leaves. If the infestation is severe, it helps to spray the trees with a mixture of milk and water (9 parts water, 1 part milk) or a mixture of baking soda and water (5 liters of water, 3 packets of baking soda).
❒ Verticillium Wilt
Verticillium wilt, which is caused by a fungus, can also occur. The fungus clogs the water channels and causes the leaves to wilt. Fresh shoots, on the other hand, die off immediately. Infected shoots must be cut out in the event of an infestation. Another fight is difficult. The use of fungicides is also advisable for all fungal diseases.
❒ Red pustule disease
Red pustule disease is also a fungus that mainly attacks dead or weakened wood. You can recognize the disease by orange or red bumps. The tree bark also discolours. Such an infestation is difficult to combat. As an immediate measure, it helps if you cut away all affected areas and burn the cuttings, i.e. do not throw them in the compost. Otherwise, the fungal spores could spread further.