The Ginkgo biloba is a fascinating tree, often called a “living fossil” because it is the sole surviving species of a plant order dating back over 270 million years. This ancient species is prized in urban landscaping for its striking fan-shaped leaves, golden autumn color, and hardiness against pollution and pests. While its ornamental value is undeniable, ginkgo trees can be incredibly messy, a drawback entirely dependent on the specific tree in question.
The Primary Source of the Mess
The primary source of ginkgo messiness is the fleshy, seed-bearing structure produced by mature female trees in the autumn. These structures are not true fruits but are often described as plum-like or cherry-sized, with a yellow-orange hue when ripe. As these seeds drop from the tree in late fall, they create a soft, slippery carpet on the ground below. When this outer coating is crushed underfoot or by vehicle tires, it releases an intensely offensive odor.
The scientific explanation for this foul smell is the breakdown of the seed’s sarcotesta, or outer coating. This process generates high concentrations of butyric acid, a colorless, oily compound also found in rancid butter or human vomit. The dropped seeds and their putrid pulp must be removed promptly to avoid creating a slick, hazardous walking surface.
The Crucial Difference: Male vs. Female Trees
The messiness of the ginkgo tree is solely tied to its reproductive biology. Ginkgo trees are dioecious, meaning individual plants are either exclusively male or exclusively female. Only the female trees produce the problematic, foul-smelling seeds, a process that typically begins after the tree has reached sexual maturity, which can take 15 to 20 years.
Male ginkgo trees produce small pollen cones in the spring that are not considered a litter concern. Because of the female tree’s seed problem, arborists and city planners almost exclusively select and plant male cultivars, such as ‘Autumn Gold’ or ‘Princeton Sentry’, for landscaping purposes. Unfortunately, determining the sex of a seedling is nearly impossible until it begins to produce reproductive structures many years later.
Managing Ginkgo Litter
For homeowners who already have a mature, female ginkgo tree, managing the annual seed drop requires timely action. Prompt removal is necessary to prevent the fruit from rotting further and creating a lasting odor problem. Scraping the seeds off hard surfaces is generally more effective than washing, as a hose can spread the butyric acid-containing pulp and stain the pavement.
It is also advisable to wear gloves when handling the seeds, as the fleshy coating can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Chemical treatments are occasionally used by municipal crews to prevent fruiting, but these are difficult and impractical for the average homeowner to apply effectively.