The big, leafy plane tree graces streets in some of the busiest cities around the world, including London and New York. This versatile tree has adapted to survive pollution, grit, and punishing wind, living on to provide welcome beauty and shade for many years. What else can plane trees be used for? You just might be surprised. Read on for more plane tree benefits.
What Can Plane Trees Be Used For?
Wood: Although plane tree uses are primarily focused towards their ornamental value, their wood also has a number of purposes. While plane tree wood isn’t well-suited for outdoor use, it is prized for indoor furniture because of its attractive, lacy appearance.
In the early history of the United States, people have been using plane trees for boxes, utensils, paneling, flooring, buckets, butcher blocks, carvings, veneers, and even barber poles.
Wildlife: Plane trees, including sycamores, provide sustenance for chickadees, goldfinches, purple finches, juncos, and sapsuckers. The seeds are eaten by squirrels, muskrats, and beavers. Hummingbirds eat the dripping sap and owls, wood ducks, chimney swifts, and other birds nest in the cavities. Black bears have been known to use hollow trees as dens.
Using plane trees medicinally: According to herbal medicine sources, plane tree benefits include boiling the bark in vinegar for treatment of toothache and diarrhea. The leaves may be bruised and applied to the eyes to treat conjunctivitis and other inflammations.
Other medicinal plane tree benefits include treatment for coughs, respiratory problems, and stomachaches. (Always use caution when using herbal remedies, and consult with a doctor first).
Other plane tree uses: Colorful dye can be made from plane tree stems and roots. The sugary sap can be used to make syrup, but the process is difficult and time-consuming.
-
Growing Spotted Bee Balm: Find Out How To Grow Horsemint For Your Pollinator GardenFor anyone looking to cultivate native flowering plants that attract pollinators, spotted bee balm is a must! We show you how to grow horsemint for friendly garden visitors
-
6 Real Christmas Tree Problems To Watch Out For – And How To Fix Them FastGet back to enjoying the glory of your natural Christmas tree with our guide to troubleshooting common issues, from needle drop to watering woes.
-
Plane Tree Varieties – Learn About Different Kinds Of Plane TreeWhat comes to mind when you think of a plane tree? The purpose of this article is to clear up the differences among the many types of plane tree. Click here to learn more about the different plane tree varieties you might come across.
-
Plane Tree Winter Care – How To Prevent Plane Tree Winter DamageFrost cracks on plane trees are the most dangerous signs of cold damage. However, most winter plane tree problems are superficial and the tree will heal itself over time. Learn when to worry and when to wait on plane tree winter damage in this article.
-
Oriental Plane Tree Info: Learn About Oriental Plane TreesWhat is an oriental plane tree? It is a deciduous tree species that can be an attractive shade tree in the backyard. If you want to know more about oriental plane trees, click here. You’ll find lots of oriental plane tree info plus tips on growing an oriental plane tree of your own.
-
Sowing Seeds Of Plane Trees – Learn How To Plant Plane Tree SeedsPlane trees are tall, elegant, long-lived specimens that have graced urban streets around the world for generations. The trees are easy to propagate by taking cuttings, but if you’re patient, you can try growing plane trees from seed. Click here to learn how to plant plane tree seeds.
-
Plane Tree Water Needs – Tips For Watering A London Plane TreeLondon plane trees have been popular urban specimens for nearly 400 years, and with good reason. They are remarkably hardy and tolerant of a variety of conditions. But how much water does a plane tree need? Click here to learn about watering a London plane tree.
-
What To Do About Plane Tree Roots – Problems With London Plane RootsLondon plane trees are highly adapted to urban landscapes and as such are common specimens in many of the world’s largest cities. Unfortunately, the love affair with this tree seems to be coming to an end due to problems with plane tree roots. Learn more here.
-
Plane Tree Pollen: Do Plane Trees Cause AllergiesPlane trees are often urban trees, growing in or on the outskirts of cities. Do plane trees cause allergies? Many people say that they have an allergy to London plane trees. For more information on plant tree allergy problems, this article will help.
-
London Plane Tree Problems – How To Treat A Sick Plane TreePlane tree diseases are primarily fungal, although the tree may be afflicted with other London plane tree problems. Click on this article to learn about plane tree diseases and how to treat a sick plane tree in your landscape.
