London plane: when and how to prune

Platanus × hispanica

London plane is best pruned in November–March.

Updated on 11 October 2026

Key facts
Pruning months	November–March
Nesting season (15 March–15 August)	Take care in March
Flowering	May
Good for bees, butterflies and birds	Little
Native to Belgium	No, planted

London plane: when to prune it?

During winter dormancy (November–March).

Prune while dormant, from November to March, but not in freezing weather.

What else to prune in those months? January · February · March · November · December

London plane: how to prune it?

Tolerates hard pruning very well: suitable for pruning every year as a pleached or roof-trained tree, or for pollarding every few years into a ‘candelabra’.
On a pleached or roof-trained tree, cut the past year’s shoots back close to the knuckle every winter, except for the branches you tie onto the frame.
A freely growing tree needs little pruning: only remove dead, crossing and low branches.

How much to cut, and how often?

One pruning period a year: November–March.
Never remove more than about a quarter of the crown at once. Better a little every year.

What does it mean for wildlife?

Pruning in March can fall in the nesting season (15 March–15 August). Check carefully for nesting birds first: disturbing an active nest is against the law.
Prunings can go on a dead hedge or brash pile in a corner of the garden: shelter for hedgehogs, wrens and insects.

Common mistakes

Clipping without first checking for nesting birds.
Leaving a stub or sawing flush with the trunk: cut just outside the branch collar.

Caution: The hairs on young leaves and the fluff from the fruit can irritate the nose, eyes and airways: wear a dust mask and safety glasses when pruning.

Nearby: related pruning guides

Plant profile: London plane · Pruning calendar and basic rules

This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.