London Plane Care
Platanus x acerifolia
A hybrid of the Oriental plane and the American sycamore, a large shade tree extremely tolerant of urban conditions (air pollution, compacted soil). It grows fast and has a decorative, mottled, peeling bark. It is often preferred in landscaping because it is more resistant to anthracnose than the American sycamore.
Monthly care calendar
Timings are for a temperate Northern Hemisphere climate. In warmer areas tasks start earlier, in colder areas later; in the Southern Hemisphere shift them by six months.
- Pruning: Main pruning time. Prune young trees to build structure, and prune older trees to remove dry, diseased or weak branches that pose a safety risk (usually requires a professional).
- General care: Dormancy period. Removing leaves left from the previous year reduces disease risk.
- Pruning: While dormant, remove dry, broken, crossing and inward-growing branches so that air and light reach the inside of the crown. As a street tree it can be pruned every year (pollarding); once the form has been established, it must be continued from the same point.
- General care: Clear away pruning debris.
- Watering: Water a newly planted specimen more often than established plants during its first year, as its root system is still shallow.
- Fertilizing: Not needed. If the soil is very poor, compost or slow-release fertilizer can be given to young trees.
- Plant protection: If symptoms spread and treatment is needed, consult a licensed plant-protection supplier or an agronomist. Plant protection products are regulated; follow local rules.
- General care: Good time for planting and transplanting.
- Pests & diseases: During humid and cool periods, monitor the leaves and trunk for signs of mold, spots and rot.
- Frost risk: Young shoots may be affected by severe late frosts.
- Watering: If there is no rainfall, water every 15 days.
- Plant protection: Check the undersides of the leaves for lace bugs (Corythucha ciliata).
- General care: Flowering begins.
- Watering: If there is no rainfall, water once a week.
- Plant protection: If necessary, apply an insecticide for lace bugs.
- General care: Flowering continues. Spread mulch 5-7 cm thick over the root zone; it conserves soil moisture and suppresses weeds. Do not pile mulch against the trunk.
- Pests & diseases: Lace bugs feed on the leaves, causing a pale, speckled appearance.
- Watering: Water deeply twice a week; prefer infrequent and generous watering over small and frequent. The root zone should be wetted to a depth of 30-40 cm.
- General care: The trunk bark peels off, giving a decorative appearance.
- Pests & diseases: Powdery mildew (Erysiphe platani) can form a white powdery coating on the leaves but is usually harmless.
- Watering: Water deeply twice a week; prefer infrequent and generous watering over small and frequent. The root zone should be wetted to a depth of 30-40 cm.
- General care: It provides deep shade during the hottest times.
- Watering: Water deeply twice a week; prefer infrequent and generous watering over small and frequent. The root zone should be wetted to a depth of 30-40 cm.
- Watering: If there is no rainfall, water once a week.
- General care: Growth slows.
- Pests & diseases: Lace bug (Corythucha ciliata) damage may continue but does not cause lasting harm to the tree.
- Watering: If there is no rainfall, water every 15 days.
- Plant protection: If symptoms spread and treatment is needed, consult a licensed plant-protection supplier or an agronomist. Plant protection products are regulated; follow local rules.
- General care: The leaves turn yellow and begin to fall. Collect the fallen leaves and compost them.
- Pests & diseases: During humid and cool periods, monitor the leaves and trunk for signs of mold, spots and rot.
- Watering: Water a newly planted specimen more often than established plants during its first year, as its root system is still shallow.
- Plant protection: If symptoms spread and treatment is needed, consult a licensed plant-protection supplier or an agronomist. Plant protection products are regulated; follow local rules.
- General care: Good time for planting and transplanting. Collect fallen leaves; many disease agents and pests overwinter under them.
- Pests & diseases: During humid and cool periods, monitor the leaves and trunk for signs of mold, spots and rot.
- Watering: Water a newly planted specimen more often than established plants during its first year, as its root system is still shallow.
- Pruning: Once the tree is fully dormant, major pruning can begin toward the end of the month.
- General care: Good time for planting and transplanting.
The care advice on this page is general and for information only; it is not professional advice. Plant age, soil and your garden’s microclimate can change the outcome. Plant protection products are mentioned only as general information; they are regulated, and the choice, dose and timing must be decided by a qualified professional under local rules. Consult a landscape architect or agronomist before applying.
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