The plane trees are hardy plants. In autumn they prepare themselves for the cold season by completely shedding their leaves. Only in spring, when it gets milder again, do they reveal fresh green. But the frost can strike unexpectedly.

Young leaves and blossoms of the plane tree do not tolerate frost well

Leaf and flower shoots in May

As long as a plane tree stands in the garden without its leaves, sub-zero temperatures can do little to harm it. Since the tree normally puts out its flowers and leaves in May, these frost-sensitive parts of the plant will ideally never encounter frost. Because every year in mid-May, the frost-free period is heralded in this country.

Mild temperatures in spring

From time to time it happens that in March and April the weather is mild for weeks and there are many sunny days in store. In such years, all plane tree species sprout before their usual time. This in itself is not a disadvantage if the weather remains mild. Unfortunately, the weather is unpredictable.

  • Night frosts can still occur until mid-May
  • even after previously long warm periods
  • the delicate leaves and flowers freeze

tips

If the tree is still young and small, you can cover its leafy crown with fleece or foil as soon as the weather forecast announces a drop in temperature.

detect frost damage

The frost damage to the plane tree is clearly visible to everyone, especially when the tree has already sprouted vigorously. The new shoots are frozen, the leaves hang down deformed. In trees with a lush crown, only the foliage at the top of the crown can freeze, while the lower layers of branches remain green.

In the case of the plane tree, a fungal infestation must also be expected occasionally. Leaf browning is one of the diseases whose symptoms can be mistaken for frost damage. A hasty and incorrect diagnosis must be avoided.

Notice:
The frost damage is all the more serious, the more often and deeper the thermometer falls below zero. It also depends on how protected the tree location is.

Consequences for further development

Frozen leaves are irretrievably lost for the plane tree. But even this tree cannot survive without leaves, so there is hope for new growth.

  • Observe the tree in the time that follows
  • after a few weeks new growth should begin
  • water the tree as needed from time to time
  • support with fertilizer if necessary

If a tree no longer sprout at all, it must be lost because it lacks the energy for further growth. Fortunately, this case rarely occurs.

Category:

Trees