Plants & Profits: London planetree

Suggest London planetree when customers ask for . . .

• A large lawn tree
• A tree that offers some winter interest (showy bark)
• A sturdy and drought-tolerant tree
• A tree that’s easily transplanted
• A sturdy, substantial shade tree
   

{The story}
London planetree is prized as a sturdy, solid urban tree. It can reach a massive height of 70- to 80-feet tall, with a similar spread. London planetree adapts well to difficult growing sites and less-than-ideal conditions. It’s pollution tolerant, making it a good candidate for a lawn tree in an urban area. It can only be used as a street tree if it’s given plenty of space. London planetree’s bark is ornamental and very attractive. It exfoliates in large plates, revealing a creamy inner bark. Leaves are typically medium to dark green, with yellow-brown autumn foliage.

Display and marketing possibilities

• Group London planetrees with other trees and shrubs that offer exceptionally showy bark.
• Merchandise it as an “anchor” tree ideal for new homes with substantial backyards.
• Create signage touting London planetree as a pollution-tolerant selection that helps clean the air.
• Run a “scavenger hunt” for kids, challenging them to find the tallest London planetree in their neighborhood.
• In autumn, encourage parents and children to create a huge pile of London planetree leaves and snap a picture. Feature the images in the store newsletter.