Watering cinnamon maple

• Cinnamon maple origin
• Cinnamon maple care and location
• Cutting cinnamon maple
• Watering cinnamon maple
• Fertilizing cinnamon maple

Cinnamon maple origin

The cinnamon maple (Acer griseum) originates from central China, where it grows at altitudes of up to 2.000 meters. It was first introduced to Europe at the end of the 19th century by the British botanist Ernest Henry Wilson and has since enjoyed great popularity, especially in parks and botanical gardens. Due to its striking appearance, the cinnamon maple is primarily valued as an ornamental tree in Central Europe.

The cinnamon maple is characterized by its reddish-brown, paper-like bark, which shines beautifully in the sun. This shimmering, peeling bark is reminiscent of cinnamon in color and texture—hence its name. The bark is a decorative eye-catcher in the garden, especially in winter when the leaves are gone. The cinnamon maple grows slowly and usually remains small—in Central Europe it reaches heights of 6 to 9 meters. Its pinnate leaves consist of three small, elliptical individual leaflets, which turn a bright orange to scarlet color in autumn. This makes it one of the most beautiful autumn-colored maple species.

Cinnamon maple care and location

The cinnamon maple prefers sunny to partially shaded locations with nutrient-rich, permeable, and slightly acidic soils. It does not tolerate waterlogging or prolonged drought. A sheltered location is advantageous, especially in regions with severe frost or dry winter winds. A consistent water supply should be ensured, especially during the first few years.

The cinnamon maple is well-suited for smaller gardens because it doesn't grow very tall and forms an attractive, rounded crown. Its slow growth also makes it easy to control and requires little pruning.

Cutting cinnamon maple

Pruning is rarely necessary for the cinnamon maple. Its natural growth habit is harmonious and requires no adjustment. Only dead or damaged branches should be removed. If pruning is necessary, it should be done immediately after leaf fall in late autumn or early spring, before sap flow begins. Large cuts should be avoided, as the cinnamon maple can react sensitively to heavy pruning.

Water cinnamon maple properly!

Despite its high-altitude origins, the cinnamon maple is sensitive to drought stress. It needs additional watering, especially during hot summer months or during extended dry periods—especially when young or newly planted. The soil should be kept evenly moist without becoming waterlogged. The topsoil may dry out a little between waterings, but the soil should never dry out completely. Deep watering once a week is often better than frequent, shallow watering.

The water should penetrate the soil slowly to reach the deeper root areas. tree bath watering bags This is particularly effective. They release water drop by drop into the soil over several hours – directly at the tree's root zone. The bag is placed around the trunk like a sleeve and zipped shut. It is then filled with up to 75 or 100 liters of water, which then slowly and evenly seeps into the soil. This slow release prevents water from running off unused or evaporating. At the same time, the bag shades the surface around the trunk – further reducing evaporation.

For larger cinnamon maples or thicker trunks, two bags can also be connected together. This not only makes watering more effective, but also saves water and is uncomplicated—an ideal support for any garden tree.

Do you need to fertilize cinnamon maple?

The cinnamon maple is undemanding but appreciates a light organic fertilizer in spring. Compost, horn shavings, or well-rotted bark humus are good for supporting growth and improving soil structure. A layer of mulch also protects against drying out and keeps the soil evenly moist. Synthetic fertilizers should be avoided—they are unnecessary for the cinnamon maple and can irritate sensitive roots.