Drip-free Tilia

Limes are excellent urban trees with high biodiversity value, and they are also very climate resilient. They are therefore widely used in built-up areas, but lime aphid, which occurs on many Tilia species, can cause problems. The sticky honeydew excreted by the aphids causes 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 formation of sooty mould. Specifically for public realm designers, we have brought together our experience with different Tilia species and compiled a list of species that are, in most conditions, not susceptible to aphids.

What problems does aphid infestation 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 directly beneath it tacky. This sticky substance is also the breeding ground for sooty mould. The sooty mould forms a layer on the leaf, blocking sunlight. As a result, long-term growth is reduced and the leaf will die off.

Can aphid attack be prevented?

It may happen that reasonably resistant species are still affected by aphids. This is almost always down to growing conditions, because if a tree is 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 airy soil, not too wet, and good sun exposure.

Tilia tomentosa cultivars.

The silver lime is resistant to aphid attack thanks to its hairy leaves. The cultivars, which grow a little 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 an excellent bee tree. It flowers in June with pale yellow corymbs of flowers. The flowers are strongly scented and provide a rich source of nectar for bees and other pollinators. Silver lime is also very 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 quickly in its first years, but as it matures its vigour decreases somewhat. The tree reaches a height of 18 to 25 metres and a width of around 15 metres. 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 attractively green well into late summer. In autumn, the leaves also remain on the tree for a long time.

Tilia (americana) ‘Neglect’

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

Tilia mandshurica

This is a large lime with a crown that can reach around 20 metres in height. The leaves vary greatly in size, from 6 to 20 centimetres. They are bright green and light silver-grey and hairy underneath. It can be regarded as the Asian counterpart of Tilia tomentosa, and this lime is also resistant to aphids.

Tree vlog: Drip-free Tilia

Tilia heterophylla 'Prestige'

This cultivar originates from the United States and grows to 12 to 15 metres tall. The leaves are large, ovoid and glossy dark green. In terms of leaf size and strong growth, this lime is comparable to Tilia americana species, but ultimately the crown remains narrower: at a height of 15 metres, the crown will be about 6 metres wide. It is a suitable avenue and street tree, adaptable to all soil types and with good wind tolerance. Tilia heterophyla ‘Prestige’ has remained relatively little known 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 small-leaved lime. It is a healthy tree with a uniform crown. Tilia cordata 'Savaria' reaches a height of around 20 metres and eventually grows to a maximum width of 10 metres. The tree flowers in June and July, and the flowers are strongly scented. Tilia cordata 'Savaria' is drought tolerant and resistant to (sea) wind. The leaves are firmer and thicker than those of Tilia cordata 'Greenspire', and therefore less susceptible to aphids and other leaf damage.

Tilia mongolica ‘Buda’

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

Tilia henryana

This particularly elegant lime flowers late in the season, from July to September, and is therefore highly attractive to bees. In the wild, this species occurs in central China. There it often grows as a shrub or as a medium-sized tree to a maximum height of 15 metres. It takes time, though, 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 is suitable for 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.

Trees for this application