deciduous tree
London Planetree: pruning, storm risk and removal
Platanus x acerifolia. Also called London plane, Hybrid plane tree.
Plain-English notes for homeowners, plus field notes for tree crews. General guidance only: for one specific tree, have a local insured pro look at it.
London Planetree at a glance
| Height | 70-100 ft |
|---|---|
| Spread | 65-80 ft |
| Growth rate | Fast |
| USDA zones | 5-8 |
| Lifespan | Typically 100-200 years or more in good conditions |
| Type | Deciduous |
| Native range | A hybrid of American sycamore and Oriental plane. It was developed in Europe and is now widely planted as a street and park tree in many US cities. |
| Roots | Wide and strong, often lifting sidewalks and curbs. The tree is known to tolerate compacted soil, air pollution and paved sites. |
| Wood | Moderately hard, interlocked and hard to split. It burns slowly, smokes if not dried well and is often considered a so-so firewood. It is used for furniture and veneer. |
| Storm risk | mediumThe wood is strong for a fast-growing tree, but the crown is very large. Old trees often have hollow trunks, big limbs with included bark and heavy end weight that break in storms. |
Typical ranges, not guarantees. Soil, water, space and care change how a tree grows. Storm risk is our general rating for the species, not an inspection.
For homeowners
Caring for a london planetree
Best time to prune
Late fall to winter while dormant. Remove dead wood, crossing branches and weak forks. Train young street trees to a strong central leader with space for traffic.
Avoid pruning
Avoid topping and heavy pollarding unless it is an established, maintained system. Do not prune during the cool, wet spring when anthracnose is active, and avoid wounding when wet.
More on timing: when to prune trees.
- Give it lots of room. It outgrows small yards fast.
- Expect leaf drop and bark flakes in fall. Seed balls hang on through winter and break up in spring.
- Anthracnose in cool, wet springs can cause leaf spots and twig dieback. Healthy trees usually recover and put out new leaves.
- Have old trees checked every year or two for cracks, hollows and big dead limbs, especially over a house or street.
Safety first
Do not climb a tree or use a chainsaw on storm-loaded or broken wood. If a tree or limb is touching power lines, stay away and call the utility. If someone is in danger, call 911. For anything big, hire a local insured pro: read how to hire a tree service and is my tree dangerous?
Lirevon does not do tree work. Find local pros on Google Maps and read their reviews, then get two or three written quotes.
For tree crews
Field notes: working on london planetree
- 1Wear eye protection and a mask when working in the canopy or chipping. Leaf and fruit hairs can irritate.
- 2Check large forks for included bark and wounds. Failure often starts there.
- 3Mature trees have heavy end weight. Plan lowering and rigging for large pieces.
- 4Roots may be close to curbs, sidewalks and underground lines. Check before you grind.
Removal notes
These are big trees. Plan for a crane or bucket truck for a mature specimen. Look for cavities and old pruning wounds. Wood is heavy and tough to split, and bark flakes in large patches. Fine hairs on leaves and seed balls can irritate eyes, nose and throat, so crews usually wear eye protection and a dust mask.
Wood
Moderately hard, interlocked and hard to split. It burns slowly, smokes if not dried well and is often considered a so-so firewood. It is used for furniture and veneer.
Pricing this job? Try the tree job estimator. Follow your own safety plan and crew training on every job.
Common problems for london planetree
Pests and diseases to watch for. Each link explains signs and what to do.
Trees often mistaken for it
Check the leaves, bark and shape before you decide how to prune or treat.
Where london planetree grows
Native range: A hybrid of American sycamore and Oriental plane. It was developed in Europe and is now widely planted as a street and park tree in many US cities.
Common in these US regions. Tap one to see other trees there.
Free tools for this tree
They run in your browser and nothing is sent anywhere. Results are estimates.
London Planetree: common questions
What is the difference between a London planetree and an American sycamore?
London planetree is a hybrid. It usually handles anthracnose and city conditions better than American sycamore. A useful check is the seed balls. London planetree usually hangs two, sometimes three, on each stalk. American sycamore usually has one. Sycamore upper bark is also often whiter.
Why does the bark peel off in patches?
Peeling is normal. The bark does not stretch as the trunk grows, so it flakes off and shows pale patches underneath.
Is the fuzz on London planetree leaves harmful?
The fine hairs can irritate eyes, nose and skin in some people. Wear eye protection and a mask when handling or chipping leaves and fruit.
Why are the leaves on my planetree turning brown in spring?
Anthracnose is a common cause after cool, wet weather. Most healthy trees grow new leaves and recover. Rake and dispose of fallen leaves in fall to cut down the spores.
Can London planetree roots damage sidewalks?
Yes. The roots are strong and wide and can lift pavement. Plan with enough soil space and pick another tree for narrow strips.
When should I remove a London planetree?
When it is dead, hollow, leaning with soil lifting, or has large cracked limbs over a home or street. A certified arborist can inspect it. Get two or three written quotes.
More trees in the same regions
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