Ginkgo biloba, often called the maidenhair tree, is one of the oldest living tree species, earning it the title of a “living fossil.” This unique, deciduous tree is celebrated for its distinctive, fan-shaped leaves that turn a brilliant golden-yellow in the autumn. Known for its resilience and ability to tolerate pollution, the Ginkgo is a popular and enduring choice for urban landscaping and street planting worldwide.
Selecting Stock and Managing Gender
Growing a Ginkgo begins with selecting the proper plant material, typically purchasing containerized nursery stock or a grafted tree. Growing from seed is unreliable and requires a decade or more before the tree’s gender can be determined. For a faster, predictable outcome, choose a tree propagated vegetatively, often through rooted cuttings or grafting onto a rootstock.
Ginkgo trees are dioecious, meaning individual plants are exclusively male or female. Female trees produce fleshy, plum-like seeds that decompose after falling and release butyric acid. This decomposition creates a foul odor often compared to rancid butter, making them undesirable near patios or walkways.
To avoid this issue, gardeners should exclusively select male cultivars, typically labeled with specific names like ‘Princeton Sentry’ or ‘Autumn Gold’. These grafted male specimens ensure a clean, odor-free tree that offers aesthetic benefits without the drawbacks of the female fruit. Purchasing from a reputable nursery guarantees the stock is a true male clone.
Optimal Site and Environmental Conditions
Once a male specimen is secured, locate the optimal permanent site, considering the tree’s hardiness and substantial space requirements. The Ginkgo is widely adaptable, thriving across USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 9, demonstrating its durability in various climates. Although it tolerates partial shade, the tree develops the best growth rate and most consistent autumn color when planted in full sun exposure.
The ideal soil is well-drained, though the species tolerates poor soil quality, including compacted urban soils and varying moisture levels. While it handles both acidic and alkaline conditions, a slightly acidic to neutral pH range is preferred for nutrient uptake and vigor. Its ability to thrive in challenging locations contributes to its popularity in developed areas.
Due to its eventual massive size—reaching 50 to 80 feet high and nearly as wide—the location must provide ample space away from buildings, wires, and utilities. Planting too close to structures necessitates heavy pruning, which detracts from the tree’s naturally graceful, often pyramidal or spreading habit. Given its slow growth rate, the selected location will be its home for generations.
Step-by-Step Planting and Establishment
Planting the Ginkgo requires careful attention to ensure successful establishment. Begin by digging a planting hole that is two to three times the width of the root ball but no deeper than the root ball itself. The wide hole encourages rapid outward growth of lateral roots into the surrounding native soil, which is far more beneficial than a deeply dug, narrow hole.
Before placing the tree, gently remove it from the container and inspect the root ball, slicing any circling roots to prevent girdling. Position the tree in the center of the hole, ensuring the root flare—where the trunk widens at the base—sits slightly above or flush with the surrounding grade. This slight elevation prevents the trunk from sinking and retaining moisture, which can lead to crown rot.
Backfill the hole with the original excavated soil, tamping gently to eliminate large air pockets without excessive compaction. Construct a small soil berm around the planting area to create a basin for efficient water retention. The newly planted tree requires immediate deep, slow watering to settle the soil and hydrate the root mass, reducing transplant shock.
Staking is generally unnecessary unless the planting site is extremely windy or the tree is top-heavy. If stakes are used, they should be applied loosely with wide, flexible ties to prevent bark damage and must be removed within the first year of growth. Allowing the trunk to move slightly helps the tree develop taper and strength.
Long-Term Care and Pruning Needs
Once the Ginkgo is properly established (typically one to three years), its long-term care requirements become minimal due to its inherent hardiness. During the establishment phase, consistent deep watering is required, especially during periods of drought. A mature Ginkgo is highly drought-tolerant and rarely needs supplemental irrigation; deep, infrequent watering encourages deep root development.
Fertilization is generally unnecessary unless a soil test indicates a nutrient deficiency, as over-fertilizing can lead to weak growth. The species is resistant to most common insects and diseases, meaning chemical treatments are rarely needed. This natural resistance contributes to its longevity and low-maintenance profile.
Pruning requirements are also minimal; the tree naturally develops a strong structure. Pruning should only be done for structural correction, to remove damaged or dead limbs, or to establish clearance for pedestrians or vehicles. Because the Ginkgo is a relatively slow-growing tree, heavy pruning should be avoided as recovery can take many years. Focus on removing crossing branches early to promote a sturdy scaffold.