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Plane Trees

Plane Trees: Versatile Beauties with Surprising Uses and Benefits

by Donna April 17, 2024

written by Donna 3 minutes read

Plane Trees: Versatile Beauties with Surprising Benefits

Introduction

Plane trees are majestic trees that grace the streets of bustling cities around the world, including London and New York. These adaptable trees have evolved to thrive in urban environments, withstanding pollution, wind, and other challenges. But beyond their ornamental value, plane trees offer a surprising array of uses and benefits.

Wood Uses

While plane tree wood is not ideal for outdoor use due to its susceptibility to rot, it is highly prized for indoor furniture. Its attractive, lacy appearance makes it a popular choice for tables, chairs, and other decorative pieces. Historically, plane tree wood has also been used for a variety of purposes, including:

Boxes
Utensils
Paneling
Flooring
Buckets
Butcher blocks
Carvings
Veneers
Barber poles

Wildlife Value

Plane trees, including sycamores, provide sustenance and shelter for a wide range of wildlife. Their leaves and seeds are a food source for:

Chickadees
Goldfinches
Purple finches
Juncos
Sapsuckers
Squirrels
Muskrats
Beavers

Hummingbirds feast on the dripping sap, while owls, wood ducks, chimney swifts, and other birds nest in the cavities of plane trees. Black bears have even been known to use hollow plane trees as dens.

Medicinal Uses

According to herbal medicine sources, plane trees possess various medicinal properties. Boiling the bark in vinegar is said to alleviate toothaches and diarrhea. Bruised leaves can be applied to the eyes to treat conjunctivitis and other inflammations. Other medicinal uses of plane trees include:

Treatment for coughs
Respiratory problems
Stomachaches

Caution: Always consult a healthcare professional before using herbal remedies.

Other Uses

In addition to their wood, wildlife, and medicinal value, plane trees offer other practical uses:

Dye: Colorful dyes can be extracted from plane tree stems and roots.
Syrup: The sugary sap of plane trees can be used to make syrup, although the process is labor-intensive.

Conclusion

Plane trees are not just beautiful additions to our urban landscapes. They are also versatile and useful trees that provide a range of benefits, from supporting wildlife to offering medicinal and practical applications. Whether you’re admiring their graceful presence in the city or exploring their hidden uses, plane trees are truly remarkable trees that deserve our appreciation.

Trees

Plane Trees: The Ultimate Guide to Planting, Care, and Benefits

by Gregory April 13, 2024

written by Gregory 3 minutes read

Plane Trees: A Guide to Planting, Care, and Benefits

Introduction

Plane trees, also known as London plane trees or European plane trees, are beautiful and majestic trees that are native to Europe. They are a popular choice for landscaping due to their hardiness, adaptability, and ornamental value.

Key Features of Plane Trees

Tall and sturdy, reaching heights of up to 100 feet
Easy to grow and adaptable to a variety of soil conditions
Tolerant of both full sun and partial shade
Drought tolerant and low-maintenance
Attractive lobed leaves that resemble oak leaves
Ornamental bark that flakes off in patches, revealing a unique camouflage pattern
Spiky tan fruits that hang in groups from stalks

Varieties of Plane Trees

There are several different varieties of plane trees, including:

London plane tree (Platanus x acerifolia): The most common type of plane tree, known for its hardiness and resistance to pollution
American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis): A native North American species with large, deeply lobed leaves
Oriental plane tree (Platanus orientalis): A large, spreading tree with attractive, variegated leaves

Planting and Care

Plane trees are relatively easy to plant and care for. Here are some tips:

Planting:

Choose a planting site with well-drained soil and full sun or partial shade.
Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
Place the tree in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping down gently to remove any air pockets.
Water the tree deeply after planting.

Care:

Water the tree regularly, especially during the first growing season.
Fertilize the tree in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Prune the tree as needed to remove dead or diseased branches and to shape the tree.

Benefits of Plane Trees

Plane trees offer a number of benefits, including:

Ornamental value: Plane trees are beautiful trees that can add value to any landscape.
Shade: The large leaves of plane trees provide ample shade from the sun.
Air purification: Plane trees help to remove pollutants from the air.
Wildlife habitat: The fruits and leaves of plane trees provide food and shelter for birds and other wildlife.

Common Questions About Plane Trees

Are plane trees poisonous? No, plane trees are not poisonous.
How long do plane trees live? Plane trees can live for hundreds of years.
How do you propagate plane trees? Plane trees can be propagated from cuttings or seeds.
How do you care for a mature plane tree? Mature plane trees require minimal care, but should be watered during droughts and pruned as needed to remove dead or diseased branches.

Conclusion

Plane trees are beautiful, hardy, and low-maintenance trees that are a great choice for any landscape. With their attractive foliage, ornamental bark, and spiky fruits, plane trees add beauty and interest to any outdoor space.

Tree Health

Plane Tree Allergies: Symptoms, Causes, and Management

by Gregory January 29, 2024

written by Gregory 3 minutes read

Plane Trees: Allergies and Symptoms

Plane trees are tall and majestic, with spreading branches and attractive green bark. They’re often found in cities, lining streets and parks. But did you know that plane trees can also cause allergies?

Plane Tree Allergies

Many people report having an allergy to plane trees, especially the London plane tree. Symptoms of a plane tree allergy can include:

Itchy eyes
Sneezing
Coughing
Runny nose

What Causes Plane Tree Allergies?

It’s commonly assumed that plane tree pollen causes these allergies. However, research suggests that the real culprit may be tiny hairs called trichomes. Trichomes cover the young leaves of plane trees in spring and are released into the air as the leaves mature.

Trichomes and Allergies

Trichomes are very fine and spiky, and they can irritate the nose and throat when inhaled. This irritation can trigger allergy symptoms. In fact, a study conducted in Sydney, Australia found that while 86% of people tested were allergic to something, only 25% were allergic to plane trees. And all those who tested positive for an allergy to London plane trees were also allergic to grass.

Distinguishing Between Plane Tree Pollen and Trichome Allergies

If you’re allergic to plane trees, it can be difficult to tell whether your symptoms are caused by pollen or trichomes. Here are a few key differences:

Pollen season: Plane tree pollen season typically lasts for about six weeks. Trichome season, on the other hand, can last for up to 12 weeks.
Symptoms: Pollen allergies tend to cause more severe symptoms than trichoe allergies. Pollen allergy symptoms can include watery eyes, a runny nose, and sneezing. Trichoe allergy symptoms are more likely to be limited to itching and irritation of the nose and throat.

Managing Plane Tree Allergies

If you’re allergic to plane trees, there are a few things you can do to manage your symptoms:

Avoid exposure: The best way to avoid plane tree allergies is to avoid exposure to the trees. If you know that you’re going to be spending time in an area with plane trees, take precautions such as wearing a mask or taking an antihistamine.
Medications: Antihistamines can help to relieve allergy symptoms. They work by blocking the histamines that are released by the body when it comes into contact with an allergen.
Nasal sprays: Nasal sprays can also help to relieve allergy symptoms. They work by reducing inflammation in the nasal passages.

Conclusion

Plane tree allergies can be a nuisance, but they can be managed with proper care. By understanding the causes of your allergies and taking steps to avoid exposure, you can enjoy the beauty of plane trees without suffering from allergy symptoms.