Photo: Jean-Pol GRANDMONT, CC BY 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Tree
Oriental plane: when and how to prune
Platanus orientalis
Oriental plane is best pruned in January–February.
| Pruning months | January–February |
|---|---|
| Nesting season (15 March–15 August) | Outside it |
| Flowering | May |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Oriental plane: when to prune it?
In January–February, while it is dormant, in dry, frost-free weather.
Oriental plane: how to prune it?
- Young tree: in the first years, prune only to form a strong trunk and a balanced crown.
- Pollard or pleached tree: cut last year’s shoots back to 2–3 buds every winter.
- Remove dead, crossing and damaged branches back to the branch collar.
- Use clean, disinfected secateurs and saws, especially when you prune several trees.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: January–February.
- Never remove more than about a quarter of the crown at once. Better a little every year.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- The pruning months fall outside the nesting season (15 March–15 August), so you won’t disturb nesting birds.
- Prunings can go on a dead hedge or brash pile in a corner of the garden: shelter for hedgehogs, wrens and insects.
Common mistakes
- Leaving a stub or sawing flush with the trunk: cut just outside the branch collar.
Caution: Do not remove large branches without good reason: big wounds close slowly and let fungi in.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Oriental plane · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.