Drip-Free Tilia

Limes are excellent urban trees with high biodiversity value, and they are also very climate resilient. That is why they are widely used in built-up areas, but the lime aphid, which occurs on many Tilia species, can cause problems. The sticky honeydew excreted by the aphids creates nuisance when it lands on parked cars or street furniture. Fortunately, there are also a number of lime species that are resistant to aphids.

The best drip-free limes

Good species selection is the best guarantee against nuisance from aphids and the development of sooty mold. Especially for public-space designers, we have brought together our experience with different Tilia species and compiled a list of species that are, under most conditions, not susceptible to aphids.

What problems do aphids cause?

Aphids overwinter on the twigs and around the buds. In spring, the female aphids are born and, especially during alternating dry and wet periods, the population can increase very rapidly. The aphids feed on sap from the leaves. They excrete excess moisture (honeydew), which creates a sticky substance that makes the tree and everything standing directly beneath it tacky. This sticky substance is also the breeding ground for sooty mold. The sooty mold forms a layer on the leaf that blocks sunlight. As a result, long-term growth is reduced and the leaf will die off.

Can aphid infestation be prevented?

Even reasonably resistant species can still be affected by aphids. That almost always has to do with growing conditions, because if a tree is planted in a poor site, it will always be susceptible to diseases and pests. In the fight against aphids, it is therefore important to give limes good growing conditions. Tilia needs an open, well-aerated soil that is not too wet and plenty of sun.

Tilia tomentosa cultivars.

The silver linden is resistant to aphid attack thanks to its hairy leaves. The cultivars, which grow a bit more uniformly than the species, are very suitable for avenues and wide streets because they tolerate paving well. Like all Tilia species, Tilia tomentosa is a good bee tree. It flowers in June with pale yellow corymbs of blossoms. The flowers are strongly scented and provide a rich source of nectar for bees and other pollinators. Silver linden is also drought tolerant, making it a suitable tree for the city of the future.

Tilia x flavescens 'Glenleven'

This Canadian cultivar of Tilia x flavescens grows very fast in its first years, but as it matures its vigor decreases somewhat. The tree reaches a height of 18 to 25 meters and a spread of about 15 meters. Tilia x flavescens 'Glenleven' is suitable for all soil types and stands up well to the heat of the urban environment. 'Glenleven' is very suitable for avenues and wide streets and stays nicely green until late summer. In autumn, the leaves also remain on the tree for a long time.

Tilia (americana) ‘Neglect’

This linden was brought into cultivation at Van den Berk Boomkwekerijen around 1990. It is a substantial tree that can reach 25 to 30 meters in height. The crown is ovoid, as are the leaves, which are 15 to 22 centimeters long and dark green in color. Tilia (americana)´Neglect´ is undemanding but does not like very dry soil. This linden is not affected by aphids.

Tilia mandshurica

This is a large linden with a crown that can reach about 20 meters in height. The leaves vary greatly in size: from 6 to 20 centimeters. The leaves are bright green and light silvery gray and hairy underneath. It can be regarded as the Asian counterpart of Tilia tomentosa, and this linden is also resistant to aphids.

Tree vlog: Drip-Free Tilia

Tilia heterophylla 'Prestige'

This cultivar originates in the United States and grows to 12 to 15 meters tall. The leaves are large, ovoid, and glossy dark green. In terms of leaf size and vigorous growth, this linden is comparable to Tilia americana species, but in the end the crown remains narrower: at a height of 15 meters, the crown will be about 6 meters wide. It is a suitable avenue and street tree, adaptable to all soil types and with good wind resistance. Tilia heterophyla ‘Prestige’ has remained relatively unknown despite being introduced in 1976. Van den Berk Boomkwekerijen started propagation in 2008. Because of the tree's good qualities, new batches are planted every year.

Tilia cordata 'Savaria'

This is a Hungarian selection of littleleaf linden, or small-leaved linden. It is a healthy tree with a uniform crown. Tilia cordata 'Savaria' reaches a height of about 20 meters and ultimately grows to a maximum width of 10 meters. The tree flowers in June and July, and the blossoms are strongly scented. Tilia cordata 'Savaria' is drought and (sea)wind tolerant. The leaves are firmer and thicker than those of Tilia cordata 'Greenspire', making them less susceptible to aphids and other leaf damage.

Tilia mongolica ‘Buda’

Another Hungarian selection. Tilia mongolica ´Buda´ has only recently entered the market, but its characteristics are promising. It is a cultivar of the slow-growing Tilia mongolica, but it grows faster and has larger, glossy leaves. The tree forms a pyramidal crown with gracefully pendulous reddish-brown twigs. The leaves are coarsely toothed and dark green. This linden is very suitable as an avenue and street tree and is aphid-free.

Tilia henryana

This particularly elegant linden flowers late in the season, from July to September, and is therefore very attractive to bees. In nature, this species occurs in central China. There it often grows as a shrub or as a medium-sized tree up to a maximum height of 15 meters. That takes time, because Tilia henryana is a slow grower. The leaves of Tilia henryana are highly ornamental. They are densely covered with silvery star-shaped hairs and later in the season turn glossy dark green. Tilia henryana can be used in parks, tree planters, cemeteries, roof gardens, and large or small gardens. This tree is completely resistant to aphids, but because of its slow growth and rounded, semi-open crown it is less suitable as an avenue tree.

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