Silver Linden Care

Tilia tomentosa (syn. Tilia argentea)

A large shade tree known for the silvery-white undersides of its leaves, which look beautiful in the wind. It is more tolerant of heat and drought than other linden species. Its fragrant flowers that open in summer are very attractive to bees.

Hardy · -30 °C / -22 °F

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.

January

Watering: Not required; the plant is dormant and winter rains are sufficient.
Pruning: Structural pruning is the best time to clear broken, dead or unwanted branches. On young trees, it is important to form a central leader.
Pests & diseases: Check the trunk and branches.

February

Pruning: While dormant, remove dry, broken, crossing and inward-growing branches so that air and light reach the inside of the crown. Light pruning is enough during dormancy; the branches form a regular framework. On roadside and park trees, the lower branches are raised. Avoid large cuts.
General care: The plant is preparing to wake up.

March

Watering: Water a newly planted specimen more often than established plants during its first year, as its root system is still shallow.
Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer or well-rotted organic fertilizer once when it wakes from dormancy.
Plant protection: Check the newly emerging fresh leaves for aphids.
General care: Good time for planting and transplanting.
Pests & diseases: Aphids are the most common pest of lindens.

April

Watering: If there is no rainfall, water every 15 days. Water newly planted plants more often than established plants during the first year; the 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.
Pests & diseases: Look for aphids (green or black clusters of small insects) on fresh shoot tips. If there are only a few, you can knock them off with a strong jet of water.

May

Watering: If there is no rainfall, water once a week.
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: Spread a 5-7 cm layer of mulch over the root zone; it retains soil moisture and suppresses weeds. Do not pile mulch against the trunk.
Pests & diseases: Check fresh shoot tips for aphids (small clusters of green or black insects). If there are few, you can knock them off with a strong spray of water. If you see black spots with yellow rings on the leaves (black spot), collect the diseased leaves and remove them from the garden; the disease overwinters in fallen leaves.

June

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.
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: Flowering begins.
Pests & diseases: Check fresh shoot tips for aphids (small clusters of green or black insects). If there are few, you can knock them off with a strong spray of water. If you see black spots with yellow rings on the leaves (black spot), collect the diseased leaves and remove them from the garden; the disease overwinters in fallen leaves.

July

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: Flowering continues.

August

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 tree is gradually preparing for winter.
Pests & diseases: Check the general health of the plant.

September

Watering: If there is no rainfall, water once a week.
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 tree is preparing for autumn color and leaf drop. This is one of the best months for planting new trees.
Pests & diseases: If you see black spots with yellow halos on the leaves (black spot), collect the diseased leaves and remove them from the garden; the disease overwinters in fallen leaves.

October

Watering: If there is no rainfall, water every 15 days. Water newly planted plants more often than established plants during the first year; the root system is still shallow.
General care: Good time for planting and transplanting.
Pests & diseases: You may leave fallen leaves at the base of the tree as mulch.

November

Watering: Water a newly planted specimen more often than established plants during its first year, as its root system is still shallow.
Pruning: After the leaves have completely fallen, pruning can be planned.
General care: Good time for planting and transplanting. Collect fallen leaves; many disease agents and pests overwinter under them.

December

Pruning: This is the most suitable period for pruning.
General care: The tree is fully dormant.

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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