How to Grow and Care for London Planetree

The London planetree (also known as London plane and maple leaved plane tree) is a large, deciduous tree. It has a limited value for wildlife but it is quite resilient in urban conditions, which is why it was planted in large numbers in cities around the world. A fast-growing tree, it typically gains several feet in height per year, tolerating partial sun, most soil types, pollution, and temperatures as low as -20°F. The London planetree has exterior bark that peels away in irregular patches to show creamy, whitish-green inner bark.

London Planetree Care

Here are the main requirements for growing a London planetree:

• Choose a large space, such as a yard or a park, that offers six or more hours of sunlight per day.
• When selecting a location, consider that the London planetree’s significant roots can damage sewer pipes, walls, fences, etc.
• Plant in medium to wet but well-draining soil.
• Water during particularly dry summer periods, but usually the London planetree won’t need supplemental water.
• If planted in a nutrient-deficient area (such as on a street), feed with a tree fertilizer based on its instructions.

Light

Full sun is ideal for the London planetree, but it will tolerate partial shade. It requires a minimum of six hours of sunlight per day for optimal growth.

Soil

Although it adapts to most growing conditions, the London planetree flourishes in rich, deep, well-draining soil. It grows in loamy, sandy, and clay soil types. It also tolerates acidic and alkaline pH levels, as well as some soil compaction.

Water

The London planetree tree has medium to high water requirements, depending on how much heat and sun it gets. It prefers consistently moist soil, but it does have some drought tolerance. Mulch around the base of the London planetree helps the soil retain moisture, and typically, you will not need to manually water it.

If there is an extended period with no rain, the tree likely will need a good soaking with a hose at least every other week.

Temperature and Humidity

London planetrees grow rampantly in moderate climate regions around the world, thriving in hardiness zones 4 through 9. The tree withstands hot summer weather as long as its soil remains moist. It survives harsh winters, though it might sustain some cold injuries.

Fertilizer

Because London planetrees are often planted in areas with poor soil or limited space, like a city sidewalk, they might end up lacking nutrients. If that is the case, feed the tree in the early spring and fall with a tree fertilizer, following label instructions. But if the tree is planted in a fertile area with room to spread, it likely will not require much fertilizer. Test soil samples to know for sure.

Types of London Planetree

The hybridization of the London planetree is thought to have occurred accidentally sometime during the 17th century in either Spain or London, as a cross between the American sycamore and the Oriental planetree. Since then, various cultivars have been developed.

• ‘Bloodgood‘ is one of the more popular varieties, growing to around 60 feet tall and bred to be anthracnose-resistant.
• ‘Columbia‘ and ‘Liberty‘ varieties both grow to a height of about 50 feet and are also resistant to fungal disease.
• ‘Metzam‘ grows to an impressive 70 feet in a pyramidal shape and is also disease-resistant.
• ‘Morton Circle‘ is another disease-resistant, pyramidal variety that is known for its strong, central leader trunk that helps it hold its shape.

Pruning

Left unpruned, the London planetree will grow very large. In general, it is recommended to prune diseased, dying, and dead branches in the winter. Furthermore, the tree’s growth is often trained with a technique called pollarding, in which it is pruned to maintain short, club-like branches.

To keep the tree’s unique shape, annual pruning is necessary. Another pruning style used with this species is pleaching, in which the branches of several trees are braided together to form a living fence. This technique must be started with very young trees.

Propagating London Planetree

While success is not certain, it’s often possible to propagate the London planetree with a cutting from a branch. Grafting is used to preserve the traits of cultivated varieties. It’s best to start propagation via branch cutting during the early spring, when you see new growth eyes, or buds, on the branches. Here’s how:

1. Use garden loppers to cut off a healthy branch that’s around 10 inches long. Be sure the branch you cut has at least two or three buds or growth nodes, and clip the branch so that there’s a growth node near the cut end.
2. Dip the cut end of the branch in a rooting hormone powder, and then push the cut end into a large container filled with potting soil or directly into the ground where you want the tree to eventually grow.
3. Water the cutting frequently enough to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
4. If you are starting the tree in a container, transfer it to its permanent home in the ground once it’s a few feet tall, which takes three to five years.

How to Grow London Planetree From Seed

If you aren’t in a hurry, try to sprout London planetree seeds outdoors. Start by gathering up seeds from an established tree’s fluffy seed balls, which drop in great quantities in the spring. Soak the seeds in water for 24 to 48 hours, and then spread them across seed-starting soil in a tray. Mist the soil to keep it moist, and place the tray in a spot with bright, but indirect sunlight.

You should see the seeds germinate within two weeks or so. Once the seedlings are a few inches tall, transplant them to separate containers filled with good potting soil, and place them in an outdoor location where they will receive direct sun for at least six hours each day. Water the seedlings to keep the soil moist but not soggy.

It might take a few years, but once your trees are a few feet tall, transplant them to a permanent home in the ground.

Common Pests and Plant Diseases

London planetrees are susceptible to the same anthracnose fungus that affects the American sycamore, but there are disease-resistant cultivars available, including ‘Columbia’ and ‘Liberty’. Leaf spot, canker stain, and powdery mildew are also possible with the London planetree.

You might find a variety of unwanted insects on your London planetree, but none of them are substantial enough to be considered a major pest, including Japanese beetles and caterpillars. In general, a healthy London planetree that’s receiving enough water, nutrients, and sunlight is not bothered by these pests.

Common Problems With London Planetree

Due to the large size of this tree, some of the most common issues are damages caused by the strong roots. Over time, the roots of the London planetree can lift sidewalks, crack driveways, damage walls and fences, and crack or damage water or sewer pipes.

The safe planting distance from structures, walkways, utility lines, and pipes is 75 feet, which is about the reach of its roots and the canopy size of the mature tree. If your property does not allow this generous spacing, install a tree root barrier or select a different type of tree.