Maidenhair Tree

Choosing the Right Spot:

The Maidenhair Tree, or Ginkgo biloba, is a beautiful tree that can live for hundreds of years and grow quite large—up to 50-80 feet tall with a spread of 30-40 feet. So, you'll want to pick a spot in your yard where it has plenty of room to grow without interfering with buildings, power lines, or other trees.

What You’ll Need:

• A young Ginkgo tree (you can buy one at a local nursery)
• A shovel
• Compost or well-rotted manure (optional but helpful)
• Mulch (wood chips or bark work)
• Watering can or hose

Timing: The best time to plant your Ginkgo tree is either early spring or fall when the weather is cooler but not freezing. This gives the roots time to establish before summer heat or winter cold sets in.

Soil Requirements: Ginkgo trees are tough and can adapt to different soil types, but they prefer well-drained soil. If your garden soil is heavy clay or tends to hold water, consider mixing in some sand or compost to improve drainage.

Steps to Plant Your Ginkgo Tree:

1. Digging the Hole:
   Dig a hole that's about twice as wide as the root ball of your young tree but just as deep. This gives the roots plenty of loose soil to spread out into.
2. Prepare the Roots:
   If your tree came in a container, gently remove it and loosen any circling roots by hand or with a small garden tool. If it’s balled and burlapped, cut away any string or wire around the base.
3. Position the Tree:
   Place the tree in the center of the hole. Make sure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding ground—not too deep or too shallow.
4. Backfill the Hole:
   Start filling the hole with the soil you dug out. If you want to give your tree an extra boost, mix in some compost or well-rotted manure with the soil as you refill the hole.
5. Water It Well:
   After you’ve filled the hole, give the tree a good, long drink of water. This helps settle the soil and eliminates air pockets around the roots.
6. Add Mulch:
   Spread a layer of mulch (about 2-3 inches thick) around the base of the tree, but make sure to keep it a few inches away from the trunk. This will help retain moisture and keep weeds down.

Watering:

• For the first year after planting, water your Ginkgo tree regularly, especially during dry spells. Aim to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Once established, Ginkgo trees are fairly drought-tolerant, so you won't need to water as often.

Sunlight:

• Ginkgo trees love full sun! They’ll thrive in a spot that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Don’t worry if your tree doesn’t get full sun all day—it can still grow in partial shade, but it might not grow as quickly.

Fertilizing:

• Ginkgo trees don’t need much fertilizer once they’re established, but you can give them a little boost in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer if you like. Just sprinkle it around the base of the tree according to the package instructions.

Pruning:

• You won’t need to prune your Ginkgo tree very often. You can trim off any dead or damaged branches in late winter or early spring to keep the tree looking tidy.

Winter Care:

• Ginkgo trees are hardy and can handle cold winters, but if you live in an area with harsh winters, adding a layer of mulch before the cold sets in can help protect the roots.

Collecting Ginkgo Nuts (Optional):

If you planted a female Ginkgo tree (which produces seeds), you may eventually see fruit develop after about 20-30 years. The fruit contains seeds, often called "ginkgo nuts," which are used in some Asian cuisines.

How to Harvest:

• In the fall, the fruit will drop to the ground. Wear gloves to collect it because the outer flesh can have a strong smell and may irritate your skin.
• Remove the outer fleshy part (this is usually done by soaking the fruit in water) and then clean the seeds inside.
• The seeds can be roasted or boiled before eating, but only eat a few at a time as they can be toxic in large amounts.

Note: Most people plant male Ginkgo trees because they don’t produce messy fruit. If you're unsure whether your tree is male or female, check with the nursery where you bought it.

Q: Why are the leaves on my Ginkgo tree turning yellow?

A: Yellowing leaves can happen naturally in the fall as Ginkgo trees are famous for their stunning golden autumn foliage. However, if this happens in other seasons, it could mean the tree is stressed from overwatering, poor drainage, or nutrient deficiency.

Q: My Ginkgo tree seems to be growing very slowly. Is something wrong?

A: Ginkgo trees are slow growers, especially when they're young. Be patient! They tend to pick up speed as they mature. As long as it’s getting enough sunlight and water, it should be fine.

Q: Can I plant a Ginkgo tree near my house?

A: Yes, but be mindful of its size. Ginkgo trees can grow very large, so plant it far enough away from your house, driveways, and other structures so its roots and branches have room to spread.

Q: Do Ginkgo trees attract pests or diseases?

A: No, one of the great things about Ginkgo trees is that they’re resistant to most pests and diseases. They’re very low-maintenance!

Q: How long does it take for a Ginkgo tree to reach maturity?

A: Ginkgo trees are slow-growing, so it could take 20-35 years before they start producing fruit (if it's a female tree). But even without fruit, they’re beautiful trees that can live for hundreds of years!