London Plane Tree - Platanus acerifolia

London Plane Tree Platanus acerifolia

Few trees command a streetscape or formal landscape with the authority of the London Plane. A proven choice across the world's most distinguished civic and private projects, it delivers monumental scale, architectural structure, and that unmistakable dappled bark, all from day one when supplied as advanced stock.

Why London Plane

Scale and Structure: One of the largest and most structurally imposing deciduous trees available, with a broad, spreading canopy that defines space at a prestige level.
Distinctive Bark: The signature camouflage-patterned exfoliating bark provides year-round visual interest, elevating any formal or contemporary landscape.
Proven Urban Tolerance: Exceptional resilience to pollution, compacted soils, and reflected heat makes it the benchmark tree for high-traffic urban and commercial environments.
Longevity: A multi-generational specimen. London Planes are known to thrive for centuries, representing a lasting investment in any property.
Deciduous Advantage: Full summer canopy delivers expansive shade; winter reveals a sculptural branch structure of considerable architectural merit.

Ideal Applications

Formal Avenues and Allées: The definitive choice for long driveways, boulevard plantings, and estate entries requiring symmetry and grandeur.
Commercial and Civic Landscapes: Extensively used across plazas, streetscapes, and institutional grounds where durability and presence are non-negotiable.
Large Residential Properties: Provides immediate canopy cover and a sense of permanence on prestige residential projects.
Shade Structures: Positioned to shelter outdoor entertaining areas, courtyards, or pool surrounds with substantial, reliable shade.

Specimen & Installation

Spacing (feature/avenue): 8–12m
Planting Season: Autumn to early spring (when dormant)
Soil & Drainage: Adaptable to most soils including clay, loam and compacted urban soils; prefers moist, well-drained conditions but tolerates periodic waterlogging and drought once established
Establishment Care: Water deeply and regularly for the first two to three years until fully established, particularly over summer. Apply a thick layer of mulch around the root zone to retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch clear of the trunk.

Plant Details

Height: 20–40m
Width: 15–25m
Growth Rate: Fast
Foliage: Deciduous
Light: Full sun
Native to: Hybrid origin (Platanus orientalis × Platanus occidentalis), widely naturalised in Europe
Flower Colour: Insignificant