How to Grow London Plane Tree - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team / 2024

London plane tree is a popular ornamental tree that is commonly planted in urban areas. The tree is tolerant to a variety of environmental conditions and is resistant to urban pollution. London plane tree has a broad, rounded crown and produces a dense shade. The tree is also known for its ability to shed its bark, which results in a mottled appearance.

How to Grow London Plane Tree - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

American plane
Eastern plane
London planetree
Plane tree
Sycamore

Basic info

The London plane tree is a large deciduous tree that can grow up to 30 metres tall.
The tree has a broad, umbrella-like canopy that can provide shade for large areas.
The tree is widely planted in parks and other public spaces in London and other cities.
The tree is tolerant of pollution and urban conditions, making it a good choice for street planting.
The tree produces large, round, woody fruits which are popular with birds.
The tree's bark is smooth and peels away in large flakes, revealing a bright orange-brown inner bark.
The tree is related to the American sycamore and is sometimes called the London plane-tree.
The tree was introduced to Britain from North America in the 17th century.
The London plane tree is the symbol of the City of London.
The tree is listed as one of the "Greatest Trees of the World" by the International Dendrology Society.

Related plant:
London Plane

How to Grow

For london plane tree, first step is to obtain a young tree from a nursery or other source.
Make sure to choose a location for your tree that has well-drained soil and full sunlight.
Dig a hole for your tree that is twice as wide and just as deep as the trees root ball.
Place the tree in the hole and backfill the hole with soil, tamping it down as you go.
Water the tree deeply and regularly for the first few months after planting.
Fertilize the london plane tree annually with a balanced fertilizer.
Prune the tree as needed to maintain its shape and size.
Monitor the tree for pests and diseases and take steps to control them as needed.
Harvest the trees leaves and seed pods as desired.
Enjoy your beautiful london plane tree for many years to come!

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, the London plane tree requires well-drained, fertile soil with a neutral to slightly acid pH. It's tolerant of salt and pollution, making it a good choice for an urban setting. The tree does best in full sun but can tolerate some shade.

Light requirement

Like the other trees, the London plane tree needs sunlight to grow. However, it can also tolerate some shade, making it a good tree for city streets where there is less sunlight. The tree grows best in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.

The Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for the London plane tree is one that is cool and moist. This tree does not tolerate heat very well, so a location that gets full sun but is protected from the hottest afternoon sun is ideal. Moisture is also important for this tree, so a location that gets regular rainfall or irrigation is necessary.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 40-50%. They are also quite tolerant to fluctuations in humidity, but prefer not to be too dry or too wet. If the air is too dry, the leaves may start to turn brown and crispy. If the air is too wet, the leaves may start to yellow and drop off.

Fertilizer Requirement

The fertilizer, this kind of plant food, is high in phosphorus and potassium. This, along with the nitrogen in the leaves, helps the tree to grow large and strong. The roots of the tree are very important to the health of the tree. They help to anchor the tree in the ground and to absorb water and nutrients from the soil.

Plant Pruning

Pruning your London plane tree is important to keep it healthy and looking its best. Pruning also helps to encourage new growth and can make the tree more resistant to disease. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or diseased branches, as well as any branches that are rubbing against each other. You should also prune any branches that are growing in an awkward direction.

The Propagation

Propagation for the London plane tree is best done through rooting hardwood cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from the current year's growth and be about 6-8 inches long. They should be placed in a well-drained rooting mix and kept moist. Rooting will usually occur within 6-8 weeks.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is about 30 cm or 1 ft per year. However, there have been faster growth rates reported with some trees reaching 6 m or 20 ft in a single growing season. The london plane tree has been known to live for over 600 years.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are Anthracnose, Canker, and Tar spot. Anthracnose is a fungus that infects the leaves and twigs of the tree, causing them to turn brown and die. Canker is a disease that attacks the bark of the tree, causing it to crack and peel. Tar spot is a fungus that infects the leaves of the tree, causing them to turn black and fall off.

Tips on Growing

Do not forget to water your tree regularly, especially during hot weather.
Apply mulch around the base of the tree to help retain moisture.
Fertilize your tree every few months with a tree-specific fertilizer.
Train young trees by pruning them regularly to encourage a strong, healthy growth habit.
Avoid planting London plane trees too close to buildings or other structures.
Do not remove all the leaves from the tree in fall leave some for protection during the winter months.
Inspect your tree regularly for any signs of pests or diseases and take immediate action if any are found.
Do not hesitate to contact a professional tree care company if you have any concerns about the health of your tree.
Remember that London plane trees can live for hundreds of years, so make sure you plant them in a location where they will have plenty of space to grow.