Here, we discuss five of the most common trees in London. London is home to a vast array of native and exotic tree species. Trees are essential in an urban environment, increasing air quality, providing shade during hot months, and improving the mental wellbeing of those around them.
Read on to learn easy ways to identify the most common trees in London.
Common Trees in London
Here are the five most common trees you’ll find in London. We list each tree species and some tips to help identify them.
1. London plane
Platanus x hispanica
- Grows up to 44m high. Broad spreading canopy. Palmate green leaves with woolly hairs beneath.
- Identification Tips: Scaly bark often peels off. In autumn, large hanging seed balls appear. These are the biggest trees in central London.
- Found all across London on streets and parks.
Interesting fact: London planes were planted because they were one of very few trees tolerant of heavy pollution. The bark absorbs the pollution and flakes off every year.
2. Sycamore
Acer pseudoplatanus
- Grows up to 38m. Huge, broad trees, often multi-stemmed.
- Identification Tips: Pinkish-grey smooth bark. Hanging “helicopter” seeds enjoyed by kids.
- Find them self-seeded along hedge rows, park borders and behind garden sheds.
- Aphids and caterpillars eat the leaves. Flowers provide pollen and nectar for many animals.
Interesting fact: Most people consider these trees to be weeds because they grow in unwanted places, but they are a valuable source of carbon capture and habitat for many species.
3. Silver birch
Betula pendula
- Grows up to 30m. Often short-lived. Twigs soon weep. Green leaves turn yellow in autumn.
- Identification Tips: White, silvery bark distinguishes this tree from any other. Bark peels in horizontal strips when young.
- They are commonly planted on streets and in private gardens. This tree grows quickly, so it is a good choice for screening. Architects often recommend it for its silvery bark.
- Windblown seeds are a valuable source of food for many bird species.
Interesting fact: Birch is one of the first trees to colonise bare earth. They are a pioneer species whose woodland often precedes oak woodland.
4. Common lime
Tilia x europaea
- Grows up to 40m. Heart-shaped leaves. Upright shape.
- Identification Tips: Brown, ridged bark. Red shoots. Leaves are often sticky with aphid secretions.
- Planted extensively throughout London’s streets. Regularly pollarded by local councils and homeowners.
- Fragrant flowers provide essential pollen and nectar for bees.
Interesting fact: The common lime is a hybrid of broad and small-leaved lime.
5. Horse chestnut
Aesculus hippocastanum
- Grows up to 40m. Mature specimens often have large lower limbs spreading upwards. Twigs flick up at the tips. They are densely covered in conkers in autumn.
- Identification Tips: Huge leaves. Large sticky buds. Conkers galore!
- They are often planted in parks. Self-seeds very easily in gardens and hedgerows.
- Conkers provide food for squirrels and many other animals.
- Flowers are an important source of pollen and nectar for bees and other insects.
Interesting fact: Children often use conkers for conker fights in the playground. A string is attached to each conker, and each child takes it in turns to try to smash the other’s conker.
To explore specific trees in your local street and neighbourhood, you may find it helpful to refer to the London Tree Map.
Quick Tips For Identifying Trees
Ask yourself the following questions when looking to identify trees:
- Leaf shape: is it palmate, compound, oval, heart-shaped, or needles?
- What colour is the bark? Is it rough or smooth? Does it peel, or is it flaky?
- Does it have flowers? If so, what colour and shape are they?
- Does it have fruits or berries? What shape and colour are the fruits? Are they in clusters or singular?
- In winter, what shape is the tree? Pyramidal, conical, rounded?
- Do the branches hang down, flick up or grow upright?
London Tree Conservation & Sustainability
More trees have been planted in London over the past few years than ever before, and the government is finally realising the importance of planting new trees in the urban environment.
Here are some tips to help maintain trees in your local area:
- If a new tree is planted on your street, give it some water on hot days
- Volunteer for a local charity that plants trees and hedges
- If you own a garden with a tree in it, retain the tree where possible
- Write to your local MP and ask them to discuss tree planting in Parliament
We Provide Sustainable Tree Care Services
If you are interested in maintaining your trees sustainably, then we would be delighted to help. We are a team of experienced tree surgeons in North London with a sustainable tree management policy. Where possible, we will always try to retain a tree. When a tree does need to be felled, we will provide options for reusing or recycling the timber. Get in touch for a free quote today.
