The plane tree is a robust tree. But it is not completely filed against diseases either. That's why their owner has to keep a close eye on them, because every calamity sends its signs. The earlier they are recognized and responded to with appropriate measures, the easier it is for the tree to recover.

Even mildew does not stop at the plane tree

The three most common diseases on the plane tree

  • leaf tan
  • Massaria disease
  • sycamore wilt

leaf tan

The disease, which is caused by the fungus Apiognomonia veneta, affects the London plane as well as other plane tree species. It occurs particularly frequently in a rainy spring. Leaves, shoots and bark can be affected. This is what the typical damage looks like:

  • the first leaf generation shows brown spots
  • they are irregularly shaped, jagged
  • begin at the leaf base and develop along the main veins
  • diseased leaves are discarded early
  • young shoots may wither
  • Bark necrosis occurs (death of affected parts)

Usually only the first leaf generation is affected by leaf tanning, new leaves remain healthy. That is why this fungal disease is not life-threatening. But if it occurs several times in a row, the tree loses more and more fine branches. Since no agent is approved for the home garden, affected branches are removed and disposed of.
.

Massaria disease

Drought and heat favor this fungal disease, which mainly affects plane trees from middle age. These are the main symptoms:

  • Sections of cattle turn pink to reddish and die
  • in the following year they appear blackened by dark spores
  • Plane tree loses bark
  • the crown foliage becomes sparser
  • the affected wood rots
  • Affected branches can break off within a few months

Larger branches do not die off completely, but only on one side. Since it is usually the upper side that is difficult to see, there is a risk of overlooking the infestation if no specific investigation is carried out.

tips

You should saw off larger infested branches as soon as possible, because if they break off inevitably, they can damage things or even injure people. The shredded material may be composted or burned.

Sycamore wilt (sycamore canker)

This fungal infestation cannot be fought, it ends fatally. The death of the tree, which occurs about 4-5 years after infection, should not be waited for. The plane tree in the garden has to be felled and disposed of or burned together with the rootstock. The first signs of illness are:

  • a less leafy crown
  • yellowing leaves
  • dying branches
  • sunken, discolored bark areas

Category:

Trees