Planting Platanus acerifolia 'Bloodgood' Cylinders in My Maze

September 25, 2025

Planting Platanus acerifolia 'Bloodgood' Cylinders in My Maze

My garden maze is becoming more and more beautiful with the planting of each tree.

I designed my maze to have a variety of different specimens. I wanted every turn to be both beautiful and interesting. These last couple of weeks, I've focused on the last third of the three-acre space, planting sizable linden trees, Tilia cordata ‘Greenspire’ Cylinder, along two sides and then Tilia Euchlora Parasol in the center surrounding my eagle. Then I planted a row of Platanus acerifolia 'Bloodgood' cylinders, London planetrees, along the north end of the maze. These large, hardy deciduous trees, also from Select Horticulture, Inc. in Pound Ridge, New York, are known for their striking appearance and adaptability. They will thrive here.

Enjoy these photos.

: The London planetree, Platanus acerifolia ‘Bloodgood,’ is a relative of the mighty sycamore. It is actually a cross between two sycamore species – Platanus occidentalis, the American sycamore, and Platanus orientalis, the Oriental plane. Right now, these trees are about 15-feet tall, but they are fast growing and will reach up to 75 to 100-feet at full maturity with beautiful cylindrical habits.

: Here’s Ryan measuring the area multiple times to ensure the placement of the trees is accurate. The trees will be perpendicular to the lindens seen behind him.

: Chhiring uses the trusted Kubota and its forklift to transport each tree to its designated location.

: Alex uses a shovel to help shape the proper hole and ensure it is deep enough for the trees. The holes must be pretty wide – at least two to five times as wide as the root ball.

: Digging a wide planting hole helps to provide the best opportunity for roots to expand and develop.

: Appropriate fertilizer is added to the hole and the surrounding soil. It is very important to feed the plants and trees. I always say, “if you eat, your plants should eat.” I use an organic all-purpose food from Miracle-Gro.

: Phurba removes the protective wrapping and any wire or rope from the root ball. If left untouched, these wrapping materials could reduce the ability of a tree’s roots to grow out into the surrounding soil.

: Here is the pile of wrapping from just one tree.

: The crew rotates the tree on its root ball closer to the hole and then into it. When moving heavy trees, only hold it by the root ball and the base of the trunk – never by its branches, which could easily break.

: Alex and Pasang are very strong, so they are able to easily maneuver the tree.

: Pasang uses a large piece of wood as leverage to turn the tree until it is stable in the hole and sitting at the proper depth.

: Here, Alex makes a few adjustments. Remember, it is crucial to “plant bare to the flare,” meaning do not bury above its flare, where the first main roots attach to the trunk. The roots need oxygen to grow. By placing the root flare at or slightly above ground level when planting gives the specimen the best chance for survival, growth, and development.

: The crew knows each tree is planted properly when lined up like this. It looks like only one, but there are several in their designated holes.

: Phurba backfills the trees, tamps down to establish good contact between the root ball and the soil, and then rakes the area, so it is neat and tidy.

: The leaves of the London planetree are simple and alternate. They grow six to seven inches wide and are leathery leaves that have three to five lobes each, similar to the maple. The leaf color is bright green and the margins are predominantly un-toothed.

: In autumn, the leaves turn yellowish-brown before falling off.

: The tree’s bark sheds in thin strips, revealing a cream colored mottled inner bark.

: Platanus acerifolia ‘Bloodgood’ trees do best in an area that receives full sun. It should be watered regularly after planting to encourage a healthy root system, but then watering frequency can be reduced once established except during periods of extreme heat. Although the ‘Bloodgood” is not considered a drought-tolerant plant, this variety can tolerate short periods without water.