How to Grow Linden Tree - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Linden tree is a plant that is native to North America. It is a deciduous tree that can grow to a height of 50 feet. The linden tree has large, heart-shaped leaves and fragrant flowers. The flowers of the linden tree are white or pale yellow and have a sweet, honey-like smell. The linden tree is a popular choice for landscaping because it is a beautiful tree with a pleasant fragrance.

How to Grow Linden Tree - Plant Care & Tips

Popular name

  • Basswood
  • Linden
  • Lime
  • Linden Tree
  • Lindenwood

Basic info

  • Linden tree is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Tilia family.
  • It is also known as basswood and lime tree.
  • Linden tree is native to temperate regions of Europe, Asia and North America.
  • The tree grows to a height of about 20-40 m.
  • The leaves of linden tree are heart shaped and have toothed margins.
  • The flowers of the tree are fragrant and haveyellowish-white color.
  • Linden tree is propagated by seeds, cuttings or layering.
  • It prefers to grow in moist soil and full sun exposure.
  • The wood of linden tree is soft and light in weight.
  • It is used in the manufacture of paper, pulp, plywood, veneer and furniture.

How to Grow

  1. For linden tree, first step is to find a sunny spot in your yard.
  2. Then, dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the tree’s root ball.
  3. Place the tree in the hole and backfill with soil.
  4. Water the tree deeply and regularly for the first growing season.
  5. Fertilize the linden tree annually with a balanced fertilizer.
  6. Prune the tree to shape as needed.
  7. Inspect the tree regularly for pests or disease and treat as necessary.
  8. The linden tree will need little to no supplemental watering once established.
  9. The tree will also benefit from a layer of mulch around the base.
  10. Enjoy your linden tree for many years to come!

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, the Linden tree prefers deep, rich, moist soils with good drainage. They are not overly particular about soil type, but they will not thrive in waterlogged conditions. They are also quite tolerant of urban pollution.

Light condition

Not too different with other trees, the linden tree needs sun to grow. However, it is not a tree that needs full sun all day long. It does just fine with partial sun or even full shade. The linden tree is also a tree that is tolerant of different soil types. It can grow in sandy soil, loamy soil, and even clay soil.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition that is ideal for a Linden tree is between 68 and 86 degrees fahrenheit. They can tolerate some cold, but prefer moderate temperatures. They are also quite sensitive to heat and should not be planted in areas where the summers are very hot.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% The linden tree (Tilia) is a large deciduous tree that is native to Europe and Asia. It can grow to a height of over 150 feet and has a trunk diameter of up to 5 feet. The linden tree has a pyramid-shaped crown with branches that spread outwards. The leaves are heart-shaped and have a toothed margin. The flowers are small and borne in clusters. The fruit is a small nutlet. The linden tree is tolerant of a range of soil conditions but prefers a moist, well-drained soil. It does not tolerate long periods of drought or flooding. The linden tree is sensitive to changes in humidity and prefers a relative humidity of 50%. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will become dry and brown. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will become yellow and drop off.

Fertilizer Requirement

Regarding fertilizer, this plant does not require much. In fact, too much fertilizer will result in yellowing of the leaves. It's best to use a low nitrogen fertilizer once a month during the growing season. As for the roots, they are very deep and it's difficult to transplant this tree.

About light

Pruning linden trees is important to maintain their shape and size. It is best to prune in the late winter or early spring, before the tree begins to bloom. When pruning, remove any dead or diseased branches, as well as anycrosses or weak branches. Be sure to make clean cuts so that the tree can heal quickly.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is most commonly done by seed, although cuttings and root division can also be used. Seed propagation is best done in the spring. Fill a seed tray or pot with a good quality seed raising mix and sprinkle the seeds over the surface. Gently press the seeds into the mix. Water well and place in a warm, sunny spot. Keep the mix moist but not wet and in about two weeks the seedlings should appear. Once they are big enough to handle, thin them out and transplant into individual pots.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate studies have been conducted in Europe, where the average growth rate is between 10 and 20 cm (4 and 8 in) per year, depending on the tree's age, environmental conditions, and the linden species. An old-growth linden forest in Germany has an average growth rate of 30 cm (12 in) per year. One of the fastest-growing linden trees on record is the 'Jade Emperor,' which was planted in 1993 in the United States and had a growth rate of 1.2 m (4 ft) per year for the first 10 years. Linden tree growth rates can be increased with proper care and Growing conditions. Linden trees need full sun and well-drained soil to grow their best. Proper irrigation during hot, dry periods is also important for optimal growth.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, aphids, and leaf spot. If your tree has any of these problems, you should immediately take steps to remedy the situation. Powdery mildew can be treated with a fungicide, while aphids can be controlled with an insecticide. Leaf spot can be more difficult to control, but you can try using a fungicide or a special leaf spot spray.

Basics of Growing

  • Do not forget to water your linden tree regularly.
  • Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the tree to help retain moisture.
  • Fertilize your linden tree twice a year with a balanced fertilizer.
  • Prune your linden tree yearly to maintain its shape and size.
  • Place your linden tree in an area that receives full sun for best growth.
  • Be sure to plant your linden tree in well-draining soil.
  • Protect your linden tree from winter damage by wrapping it in burlap or placing it in a sheltered location.
  • Check for pests and diseases regularly and treat as needed.
  • Harvest the leaves and flowers of your linden tree to use in teas or other preparations.
  • Enjoy the shade and beauty your linden tree provides for your landscape!

Substitution

  • Linden (a deciduous tree of the genus Tilia with heart-shaped leaves and drooping cymose clusters of yellowish often fragrant flowers; widely planted as an ornamental)
  • basswood (a soft light-colored wood of any of various linden trees; used in making pulpy wood products)
  • linden tree, tilia (any of various deciduous trees of the genus Tilia)
  • black linden, black-leaved linden, Tilia platyphyllos (wide-spreading tree of Europe and Asia)
  • little-leaf linden, silver linden, Tilia cordata (wide-spreading tree of Europe and Asia)
  • American linden, American basswood, basswood tree, basswood tree, Tilia americana (common North American linden having clusters of small cream-colored

Source:
Linden Tree - utep.edu
Linden | Horticulture, Landscape, and Environmental Systems
LITTLELEAF LINDEN - TILIA CORDATA | The UFOR Nursery

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Herbs Category