Platanus (plane tree)

Platanus (plane tree) is a large ornamental tree, highly valued for imposing appearance, wide crown and excellent resistance to urban conditions.

 General description

• Family: Platanaceae

• Type: deciduous, decorative tree

• Longevity: very large (can live hundreds of years)

• Growth: fast

 Dimensions

• Height at maturity: 20–35 m (some specimens exceed 40 m)

• Crown width: 15–25 m

• Crown wide, rounded, provides dense shade

 Leaves

• big, palmate-lobate, similar to those of maple

• Color intense green summer

• In the fall I become golden yellow or brown

 Flowers and fruits

• Small, decoratively insignificant flowers

• Spherical fruits ("balls") that persist into winter, providing visual interest

 Bark – major decorative element

• Bark exfoliating, in plates

• Create a layout mosaic in shades of grey, cream and green

• Very popular in landscaping

 Planting requirements

• Exposure: full sun (also tolerates partial shade)

• Soil: adaptable - prefers fertile, deep, well-drained soils

• Watering: moderate; drought tolerant after installation

• Resistance: very good at pollution, wind and low temperatures

 Maintenance

• It requires large space

• Can be trimmed for training or control (tolerates cutting well)

• Resistant to diseases; occasionally there may be:

  • flouring

  • anthracnose (rare, especially in rainy years)

Uses in landscaping

• Street alignments

• Parks and markets

• Large courtyards, public spaces

• Areas where required abundant shade

 Advantages

✔ fast growth
✔ extremely decorative
✔ very resistant in cities
✔ ideal for shade

 Disadvantages

✖ requires a lot of space
✖ not suitable for small gardens