Watering a spherical acacia

• Globe acacia origin
• Ball acacia care and location
• Cutting globe acacia
• Fertilizing spherical acacias
• Watering a spherical acacia

Globe acacia origin

The globe acacia (Robinia pseudoacacia 'Umbraculifera') is a special cultivated variety of the black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), originally from eastern North America. The wild form was first introduced to Europe in the 17th century, where it quickly established itself thanks to its exceptional adaptability. The black locust quickly proved its worth, particularly in urban areas and on poor soils, becoming a symbol of the greening of difficult locations.

The 'Umbraculifera' variety was selectively bred to achieve a uniform, compact growth habit. Unlike the wild form, which can reach up to 25 meters tall, the globe acacia remains significantly smaller and grows shrubby with a striking, spherical crown. Its characteristic features are its tall trunk with even branching, which produces few flowers or fruit. This makes it ideal for gardens, roadsides, squares, or as an architectural design element.

The cultivar name "Umbraculifera" translates literally as "umbrella-bearing" – a reference to its characteristic, dense, rounded crown. Since the globe acacia is propagated almost exclusively vegetatively by grafting onto black locust rootstocks, it does not occur naturally. Its popularity is due not only to its growth habit but also to its resistance to heat, drought, air pollutants, and saline soils. It has established itself in many regions of Europe as an easy-care yet attractive urban tree.

Ball acacia care and location

The globe acacia is extremely easy to care for and undemanding, making it a popular tree for many locations. It prefers full sun, but can also thrive in light partial shade. A well-drained soil is essential—ideally sandy to loamy. Compacted, waterlogged soils, however, should be avoided, as they can lead to root rot.

The globe acacia grows easily even in poor, nutrient-poor soil because, like many legumes, it forms a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. This even improves soil quality in the long term. It's an excellent choice, especially in urban areas with paved surfaces, high levels of sunlight, and low maintenance. Thanks to its good tolerance to pruning, it can also be used in confined spaces, such as small front gardens or along paths.

The best planting time is spring or fall. Container-grown plants can also be planted in the summer, provided adequate watering is ensured. When planting, a sturdy stake should be used to prevent the young plant from tipping over. The soil around the root zone can be covered with mulch to better retain moisture.

Cutting globe acacia

The regular one Video editing is crucial for maintaining the spherical crown of the globe acacia. A shaping pruning is particularly recommended in the first few years after planting. The goal is a balanced, rounded shape with dense growth.

The ideal time for pruning is late winter or very early spring—before bud break. You should:

• remove all dead, inward-growing or crossing branches,
• shorten strong new shoots,
• Make sure that the round crown is preserved.

A heavy pruning back to just a few shoots is possible and tolerated well by the plant. Since it doesn't produce thorns, pruning is relatively safe and easy to perform. Over time, a stable, dense, and even crown develops. If pruning is done regularly, the globe acacia will remain vibrant and shapely for a long time.

Fertilizing acacia

The globe acacia is one of the more undemanding trees, as it – like all black locust trees – lives in symbiosis with nodule bacteria and can fix nitrogen from the air. Therefore, it only requires additional fertilizer in exceptional cases. fertilization. No addition is necessary in nutrient-rich garden soils.

On very poor soils, you can work some mature compost, horn shavings or organic complete fertilizer around the root area in spring. A thin layer of mulch layer made from bark mulch or leaves can help to slowly release nutrients and promote soil life.

Important: Avoid nitrogen-rich artificial fertilizers. These encourage excessive, unstable growth, which can lead to breakage or deformation in a spherical tree. Moderate, organic fertilization, on the other hand, supports healthy, vigorous growth for years to come.

Watering a spherical acacia

Water supply is particularly important in the first two years after planting. Water regularlyto ensure the roots are firmly anchored in the soil. Make sure to water deeply—this promotes the development of strong, deep roots and makes the tree more resistant to drought later on.

Once the globe acacia is well established, it only needs additional watering during prolonged dry periods. Especially during hot summer weeks with little rain, you should water it thoroughly once a week.

Particularly practical is the baumbad watering bagThis is placed around the trunk, secured with a zipper, and filled with up to 100 liters of water. The water seeps slowly and continuously into the soil – directly to the roots. This way, you avoid evaporation losses, save water, and create an effective, consistent supply.

A major advantage of the baumbad watering bag: It relieves your everyday stress and ensures that the tree is optimally supplied with water in all weather conditions. Ideal for hobby gardeners, urban greening, or tree care on company premises.