03/10/2026
Estimated Ages of London Plane Trees
St. Matthew’s Churchyard, Bethnal Green
How the ages were estimated
The circumference of each London Plane tree was measured at approximately 1.20 metres above ground level.
Tree circumference (girth) is a commonly used method for making an approximate assessment of a mature tree’s age. The larger the trunk circumference, the longer the tree has generally been growing.
For these London Planes, the measured girths were compared with typical growth rates for mature London Plane trees growing in an urban environment. Because growth rates vary according to soil, available space, competition from other trees, pruning, pollution, water availability and other factors, the results should be regarded as approximate age ranges rather than exact ages.
The central estimate represents the most reasonable approximate age within the calculated range.
Estimated ages
Tree| Circumference| Estimated age| Central estimate
1| 3.63 m| 130–170 years| ~150 years
2| 2.77 m| 95–125 years| ~110 years
3| 3.00 m| 105–145 years| ~125 years
4| 2.75 m| 95–125 years| ~110 years
5| 3.72 m| 135–175 years| ~155 years
6| 3.29 m| 115–155 years| ~135 years
7| 1.85 m| 60–85 years| ~70 years
8 2.00 m| 65–90 years| ~75 years
9| 3.68 m| 135–175 years| ~155 years
10| 3.65 m| 135–175 years| ~155 years
11| 1.92 m| 60–85 years| ~72 years
12| 4.24 m| 155–200 years| ~175 years
13| 2.01 m| 65–90 years| ~75 years
14| 2.14 m| 70–95 years| ~80 years
15| 2.66 m| 90–120 years| ~105 years
16| 2.50 m| 85–115 years| ~100 years
17| 2.94 m| 100–140 years| ~120 years
18| 2.96 m| 100–140 years| ~120 years
19| 2.90 m| 100–140 years| ~120 years
20| 2.86 m| 95–135 years| ~115 years
21| 2.88 m| 95–135 years| ~115 years
22| 2.74 m| 90–125 years| ~105–110 years
23| 3.35 m| 120–160 years| ~140 years
24| 3.00 m| 105–145 years| ~125 years
Summary
A total of 24 London Plane trees were measured.
The majority have estimated ages between approximately 90 and 175 years.
The most substantial tree measured was Tree 12, with a circumference of 4.24 metres, giving an estimated age of approximately 155–200 years, with a central estimate of around 175 years.
Several trees have very similar circumferences, particularly those measuring approximately 3.6–3.7 metres, which may indicate that some could belong to a similar planting period. However, similar trunk sizes alone cannot establish that they were planted at the same time.
Important note
These figures are indicative estimates only. The only way to establish a much more reliable age would be through additional evidence such as historical planting records or specialist tree-age assessment, potentially including increment-core analysis where appropriate.
The measurements and estimates could nevertheless provide a useful starting point for investigating the history and development of the trees within St Matthew's, Bethnal Green
By FoStMG
