deciduous tree
Ginkgo: pruning, storm risk and removal
Ginkgo biloba. Also called Maidenhair Tree.
Plain-English notes for homeowners, plus field notes for tree crews. General guidance only: for one specific tree, have a local insured pro look at it.
Ginkgo at a glance
| Height | 50-80 ft |
|---|---|
| Spread | 30-40 ft |
| Growth rate | Slow |
| USDA zones | 3-8 |
| Lifespan | Several hundred to 1,000+ years |
| Type | Deciduous |
| Native range | China. It is one of the oldest living tree types and is planted worldwide as a street and park tree. |
| Roots | Deep and strong, with a spreading root system once established. Not known as aggressive toward pipes or pavement. |
| Wood | Light and fairly soft with a fine, even grain. It is not valued for firewood. |
| Storm risk | lowGinkgo has strong, deep roots and few weak branch unions. It is typically one of the tougher trees in wind and ice, though any tree can fail if it has decay. |
Typical ranges, not guarantees. Soil, water, space and care change how a tree grows. Storm risk is our general rating for the species, not an inspection.
For homeowners
Caring for a ginkgo
Best time to prune
Prune in late winter or the dormant season. Ginkgo needs very little pruning. Remove dead wood and any limbs that cross or rub.
Avoid pruning
Avoid heavy pruning and topping. Do not prune in a way that removes the natural central leader on young trees.
More on timing: when to prune trees.
- Ask for a male tree (or a named male variety) if you are buying. Female trees drop messy, foul-smelling fruit in fall.
- Ginkgo grows slowly. Be patient and do not over-fertilize.
- The leaves turn bright yellow in fall and often drop all at once in a short time.
- Ginkgo handles city conditions well, including compacted soil and pollution.
Safety first
Do not climb a tree or use a chainsaw on storm-loaded or broken wood. If a tree or limb is touching power lines, stay away and call the utility. If someone is in danger, call 911. For anything big, hire a local insured pro: read how to hire a tree service and is my tree dangerous?
Lirevon does not do tree work. Find local pros on Google Maps and read their reviews, then get two or three written quotes.
For tree crews
Field notes: working on ginkgo
- 1Wear gloves and wash up if working under a female tree. The fruit pulp can irritate skin for some people.
- 2Wood is lighter than it looks, so loads are often lighter than a similar-sized hardwood.
- 3Leaves drop quickly in fall, so ground cover can change fast on a job.
- 4Tall, narrow-form varieties are common in city plantings, so check overhead lines.
Removal notes
Usually a straightforward tree for crews because of its clean, upright form and strong structure. Female trees drop smelly fruit, which makes the ground messy and unpleasant to work around in fall.
Wood
Light and fairly soft with a fine, even grain. It is not valued for firewood.
Pricing this job? Try the tree job estimator. Follow your own safety plan and crew training on every job.
Common problems for ginkgo
Pests and diseases to watch for. Each link explains signs and what to do.
Where ginkgo grows
Native range: China. It is one of the oldest living tree types and is planted worldwide as a street and park tree.
Common in these US regions. Tap one to see other trees there.
Free tools for this tree
They run in your browser and nothing is sent anywhere. Results are estimates.
Ginkgo: common questions
Why does my ginkgo smell bad in fall?
Female ginkgo trees drop fleshy seeds with a strong, unpleasant smell. Male trees do not make fruit. If the smell is a problem, a local arborist can talk through options.
How fast does a ginkgo grow?
Slowly at first, often about 12 inches or less per year. Growth can speed up once the tree is established with good soil and water.
Does a ginkgo have many pests?
Not many. It is known for being very tough against insects and disease. Most problems come from poor planting, drought or damage near the roots.
Why do all the leaves fall off at once?
That is normal for ginkgo. In fall, the leaves often turn yellow together and drop in a day or two after a frost or cold snap.
Is ginkgo a good street tree?
Yes, male trees often are. They handle compacted soil, pollution and road salt better than many trees. Check the site for overhead lines before planting.
When should I prune a ginkgo?
Late winter is typically fine. Ginkgo needs light pruning only. Remove dead or crossing branches and keep a single strong central leader on young trees.
More trees in the same regions
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