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GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Sycamores grow comfortably in different climates

While in England, about 20 years ago, I was struck by the large number of sycamore trees lining city streets everywhere.

While in England, about 20 years ago, I was struck by the large number of sycamore trees lining city streets everywhere.

So widely planted are sycamore (Platanus acerifolia) trees in England that their common name has become the London plane tree.

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Sycamores grow comfortably in different climates Back to video

London plane trees are more versatile than any tree I know. They grow comfortably in the heat of India and Iran, to the colder climates of Poland and much of Scandinavia.

In the U.S., the native plane tree (Platanus occidentalis) will grow in all states except Alaska. In Canada, the tree will grow in the milder climates of British Columbia and Southwestern Ontario.

Sycamores are a stately tree, growing 30 to 40 metres tall and wide. Growth rate is fast, making it a good choice for large properties.

Leaves at first glance are often confused with maples, but are broader and not as smooth. Leaf colour is lime green.

Perhaps the most distinguishing feature of the sycamore tree is its peeling bark. Bark is  smooth, with layers. Patches are constantly falling off, revealing colours ranging from cream to olive green to brown.

For many years, sycamores were the most widely planted tree in most of Europe. When gardeners found sycamores grew too large for city boulevards, they pruned them to grow flat, a technique known as espalier.

Like all trees, sycamores have a few problematic characteristics when planted in home landscapes.

After a windstorm you can expect a collection of small twigs to have landed on the ground.

Sycamore fruit or seeds are round, soft and spiny, and could be considered a nuisance in fall and early winter.

Some people are bothered by the powder emitted from the fuzz on the underside of the leaves.

The tree is relatively pest resistant, but can be bothered by canker, powdery mildew or anthracnose.

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