The Ginkgo biloba tree, often called the maidenhair tree, is a unique botanical marvel with a lineage tracing back over 200 million years, earning it the title of a “living fossil.” Its distinctive fan-shaped leaves turn brilliant golden-yellow each autumn. Successfully establishing this ancient species depends on selecting the appropriate planting time.
Optimal Planting Seasons for Ginkgo Trees
The most favorable times for planting a Ginkgo tree are during the cooler months of fall or spring. Planting in the fall, from late autumn after leaf drop until the ground freezes, allows the tree to establish its root system during dormancy. This timing minimizes transplant shock, as the tree can acclimate to its new environment before winter. Cooler soil temperatures encourage root development without summer heat stress, positioning the tree for robust growth the following spring.
Spring planting is also suitable, ideally in early spring before new leaf buds emerge. This allows the Ginkgo to establish roots before summer heat and active growth begin. Planting after the last significant frost ensures the young, frost-sensitive plant is not damaged by cold temperatures. Both seasons offer a window when the tree is dormant or just emerging, which benefits root establishment.
Factors Influencing Ginkgo Planting Time
The method of acquiring a Ginkgo tree influences its ideal planting schedule. Container-grown Ginkgos, sold with their root ball intact, offer greater flexibility and can be planted outside the primary fall and spring windows, provided extreme temperatures are avoided. These trees have established root systems that are less disturbed during transplanting, making them more resilient. When planting, gently tease out any circling roots to encourage outward growth.
Conversely, bare-root Ginkgo trees, sold without soil around their roots, are best planted during their dormant season, from late fall to early spring. This period minimizes stress and allows for immediate root growth into the surrounding soil. Local climate zones play a significant role, with cooler regions favoring early fall or late spring to avoid severe winter cold or intense summer heat shortly after planting.
Essential Initial Care After Planting
Consistent moisture is important for a newly planted Ginkgo tree, especially during its first year. Young trees require regular watering, several times a week during dry spells, to ensure adequate hydration and encourage root spread. While mature Ginkgos are drought-tolerant, newly planted specimens lack this resilience.
Applying a 2 to 4-inch layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree is beneficial. This mulch helps retain soil moisture, moderates soil temperature, and suppresses weed growth that could compete for water and nutrients. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the tree trunk to prevent moisture buildup and potential rot. Young Ginkgo trees are frost-sensitive, so in colder climates, providing winter protection for the first few years, such as burlap wrapping, can safeguard them from extreme cold.