Spherical maple thrives with a shallow heart root system, which can cause conflict in the garden. Home gardeners often wonder whether root pruning will solve the problem. This guide explains tried and tested options.
How can ball maple root problems be solved?
To resolve conflicts with maple roots, you can partially cut off the disturbing roots and cut back the crown accordingly or, alternatively, cover it decoratively (e.g. B. with humus, bark mulch or lawn grid). Underplanting with ground cover plants is also an attractive solution.
Root pruning without crown pruning – How to do it right
From the fifth year onwards, a ball maple tree has established itself well. The majority of the root strands extend just below the surface of the earth. Only a few roots reach a depth of 100 to 120 cm. The roots close to the surface leave little room for underplanting. How to solve the problem:
- Expose and cut off a maximum of a third of the disturbing roots
- Cover again with garden soil at the previous height and water thoroughly
- Cut back the crown in proportion to the root mass removed
In view of the strong flow of sap that accompanies every cut on the maple tree, the measure should take place in early autumn. Choose a date in September or October with dry and overcast weather. At this point, a short period of sap dormancy begins as the leaves fall, which keeps the stress level for your maple tree at a low level.
Roots under the lawn – decoratively cover instead of cutting
In the middle of the lawn, a ball maple tree stands out in the front yard. When mowing the lawn, home gardeners often struggle with the shallow roots that extend just below the surface. Anyone who uses scissors to cut off annoying roots doesn't yet know the following options for solving the problem:
- Remove the grass from the tree disc in the diameter of the crown
- Cover the free area with humus and a thin layer of bark mulch (€13.00 on Amazon) or pine bark
- Alternatively, lay the lawn grid on the tree disc
A decorative and natural solution is underplanting the globe maple. Ground cover plants such as foam flower (Tiarella cordifolia) or elf flower (Epimedium rubrum) combine perfectly with the roots of an Acer platanoides Globosum and thrive magnificently in the partial shade of the foliage crown.
Tip
You can save your maple tree the stress of root pruning if you ensure there is sufficient spacing when planting. A distance of at least 200 cm from paved paths or the terrace is recommended. The distance to a wall should be 300 to 400 cm unless the crown is regularly pruned.
