How to spot sycamore & london plane
- Patchy, peeling bark in cream, tan, and gray — the most recognizable feature
- Large, maple-like leaves
- Round, dangling seed balls
- Massive size and spreading limbs; common as street trees
Sycamores and the closely related London planes are some of the toughest big trees we have, which is why they line so many streets. Their one regular issue is anthracnose: in cool, wet springs they can brown out and drop a lot of leaves, then leaf right back out.
Because they get so large, the real work on mature sycamores is structural — clearance from buildings and lines, deadwood removal, and managing the sheer size near homes.
Common problems we see on sycamore & london plane
This is general guidance from three decades of tree work across the Philadelphia area — not a formal diagnosis. When it matters, we'll come look at the actual tree and give you a straight answer, free.
Brennan Tree Service has cared for trees across the Philadelphia area since 1994.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my sycamore look dead in spring?
Almost always anthracnose — a wet-spring fungal disease that browns and drops the early leaves. Healthy sycamores leaf out again within a few weeks. If it stays bare into summer, have it looked at.