Dallas Morning News – March 8, 2018

Great Tree with Several Uses but a Couple of Warnings

I have one of the largest ginkgoes in North Texas, and it is still young. It was planted in 1985 just after our daughter Logan was born. Early on this tree was different – growing noticeable faster than other ginkgoes. The growth rate increased after I exposed the root flare – and sapsucker woodpeckers stopped damaging the tree. About 4 years ago I dramatically increased the exposure of the root flare and the growth rate and apparent health of the tree increased to a new level. I recommend planting this fascinating tree but there are some things you need to know.

Ginkgo, a living fossil that was here with the dinosaurs, is native to China but has adapted to a wide range of soils and climates as long as there is ample moisture and decent drainage. The only place in Texas I have seen the plant not grow well is in solid white rock or in soils that are too dry. Ginkgo tolerates a wide range of rough conditions such as downtown urban sites, smoky areas, air pollution and confined root system spaces – but not really crappy sterile soil.

I have discovered working with my ginkgo that the tree responds dramatically to the organic program and grows as much as 24 inches a year in ideal conditions. Those ideal conditions include soil that has lots of organic matter, plenty of carbon, ample life, reasonable moisture and good drainage. It is a classic example of trees responding to the organic program and the beneficial fungi and other life that grows in the soil and on the roots of healthy plants.

Ginkgo has few problems other than issues with the soil. I have never seen any insect or disease damage. Everything bad relates to dry or rocky soil or fertilizing with high-nitrogen, synthetic fertilizers. Another problem is the female trees have stinky fruit. It’s hard to know if you have a female because the fruit normally does not start to form until the tree is 12 years or older. Some think that ginkgo has the ability to change sex. More than speculation, the research backing up this claim is on my web site.

Why is the sex thing important? Well – everyone tells you to buy only male plants to avoid the stinky fruit from female trees. My tree was planted as a certified male clone and it started producing fruit after about 12 years. It’s a girl! I like that very much because I get the seedlings that grow in the garden from the fruit that falls and I enjoy giving small progeny of my tree to friends. I also like to grow the small trees in containers – and they will grow in the shade as well as in full sun.

For more information about one of the most interesting trees in the world see

https://www.dirtdoctor.com/garden/Ginkgo-Tree_vq3643.htm

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