The ginkgo is a tree that has stood the test of time. Some believe it was growing 100 million years ago and could have been a snack for the dinosaurs. It's a good one to grow because it's very resistant to disease, pests and pollution.
Young ginkgo trees have a gangly, clumsy appearance, but as they grow, they become wide-spreading with large, picturesque branches. The trees will grow 50 to 80 feet tall and spread between 30 to 40 feet. They're hardy in Zones 3 to 8.
As great as this tree is, there is a catch: the seeds, or nuts, produced by the female tree have a disagreeable odor when they begin decomposing. Plus, they'll stain a sidewalk or patio. So when you buy a ginkgo tree, make sure you buy a male. There are many different varieties of male ginkgo trees to choose from; one great example is 'Autumn Gold'.
Ginkgo trees prefer full sunshine but they will tolerate a little shade. They'll grow in almost any kind of soil. Spring or fall is typically the best time to plant a tree, but before you dig in, call your utility company so they can mark all the cables above and below, and for heaven's sake, don't plant this too close to your house. Remember that it's going to become a big tree.
The rules for planting trees have changed. You still want to dig a hole that's two to three times as wide as the root ball, but you don't want to dig a hole as deep as the container. Research has found that we're burying trees too deeply. The roots don't get enough oxygen or nutrients.
To determine how deep you should plant, dig for the first root that comes off the tree's trunk. This will be the barometer for how deeply the tree needs to be planted. That first root should be slightly below the soil's surface. Dig a saucer-shaped, not as deep as you're accustomed to digging but just as wide. Remove the tree from its container and examine the roots. You'll want to sever them so they can spread and anchor the tree (uncut, they'll grow in a circle). With a sharp knife, cut the roots in four to six different locations around the root ball. Place the root ball into the hole to make sure you've dug it deep enough. You can measure that just by laying a shovel across the hole. The first root should be just below the soil surface. Fill the hole halfway, using the same soil you dug out of the hole, not any amendments. Once the hole is half-full, water the soil. This will remove any air pockets, plus it will allow the soil to settle. Once the water is drained, go ahead and finish backfilling. Then water again. Finally, don't forget to mulch. This will help reduce weeds and helps retain water. Plus, it will protect the trunk of the tree. And speaking of the trunk--it's important to protect young trees from the harsh winter sun and hungry animals, so be sure to use a trunk protector. Your gingko tree will give you year-round, beauty--the easy way.
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