Ginkgo Biloba often called the maidenhair tree, is one of the oldest living tree species, with over 200 million years of lineage. Its fan-shaped leaves and stunning yellow fall foliage make it a distinctive addition to your landscape. While Ginkgo biloba has a reputation for its resilience and beauty, there are aspects of its growth and care that gardeners need to consider when incorporating it into their space.
What is the downside of Ginkgo biloba?
One potential drawback of Ginkgo biloba trees, particularly for those who plant them in residential areas, is the fruit produced by female trees. The seeds inside the fruit have a strong, unpleasant odor, often resembling rancid butter or vomit. To avoid this problem, many landscape designers recommend planting male cultivars, which do not produce fruit.
Another consideration is the tree's slow establishment period. Though Ginkgo biloba is hardy and adaptable once mature, it can take a while for young trees to establish a robust root system, which may require patience from gardeners. During this time, extra care in terms of watering and mulching is needed to help the tree get established.
Some people may also consider the Ginkgo's deep root system a concern. While its roots are not aggressive, they can spread quite wide, which might limit the planting of certain shrubs or plants nearby. Planning their landscape design could challenge gardeners with small, limited spaces.
Do Ginkgo biloba trees grow fast?
Ginkgo biloba trees are not considered fast-growing, especially in their early years. Initially, they exhibit slow to moderate growth, generally adding about 12 to 24 inches in height annually. However, once established, the growth rate can increase slightly, with some ginkgo trees achieving a more moderate pace over time. There may be better choices for gardeners looking for quick shade or fast visual impact than Ginkgo biloba. Yet, what they lack in rapid growth, they make up for in longevity and hardiness.
The slow growth of ginkgo trees is often seen as a trade-off for their extreme resilience. They can tolerate various conditions, including air pollution, poor soil, and drought. These trees are commonly planted in urban areas because of their ability to withstand environmental stresses that would damage other species. While a slow-growing tree might require more patience, it will reward its caretaker with decades of beauty and stability.
Ginkgo Care and Watering
You will need to water your ginkgo tree every day for the first two weeks. After that, gradually extend the time between waterings until you water once a week. Do this for the first year.
The trained staff at TN Nursery can answer any questions you might have about a Ginkgo tree and its care. You can easily order the Ginkgo tree at our TN Nursery website or on the phone. Call 931.692.7325 and order your Ginkgo tree today.
For most easy-care home landscapes, we point customers to a ginkgo tree. Once it settles in, it handles typical yard conditions with less fuss than many flowering choices. It also gives you a strong upright shape, so you get structure without constant pruning. Keep in mind that every tree still needs watering while it establishes, especially through late-summer heat.
About Ginkgo
River Birch grows in wetter areas in zones 4-9. In the fall, the leaves turn yellow and really show off the white bark. Bald cypress also grows in wetter areas in zones 4-9. It has feathery needles that look like fern leaves. These needles turn yellow in the fall and drop to the ground.
You can reach us at customerservice@tennesseewholesalenursery.com or visit us at Tennessee Wholesale Nursery, 12847 State Route 108, Altamont TN 37301, United States. We value your privacy and only request information we genuinely need. That is how we keep ordering and customer support straightforward.
Ginkgo trees (Ginkgo biloba) are a long-lived tree that is native to south-central and southeast China. It is considered a living fossil because it has existed for hundreds of millions of years. All the other members of the family are extinct.
No. We do not offer refunds, and we do not accept returns. If a product is available, we can offer a reshipment. We do not offer a warranty on any product unless you purchase an extended warranty at the time of order. If the product is out, we can offer in-store credit.
If your front yard feels flat, this is where a bold tree shape helps most. Ginkgo brings a clean outline and bright fall color, so it works best where you can see it from the street or front walk. We like it for medium to large lots because it needs breathing room.
Where do ginkgo trees grow best?
Ginkgo biloba trees thrive in temperate climates with total sun exposure. They are hardy in U.S.D.A. zones 3 through 8, making them a versatile choice for many regions. Ginkgoes prefer well-drained soil, though they can adapt to different soil types, including clay, sandy, and loamy substrates. Their adaptability makes them popular in both rural landscapes and dense urban environments.
Ginkgo biloba trees are often used as specimen trees in gardens, where their unique shape and brilliant fall color can be fully appreciated. They can grow to 80 feet tall, so they are best suited to spaces where they can be planted as a focal point. For smaller yards, dwarf or columnar varieties might be more appropriate, as these cultivars offer the same charm in a more compact form.
Although ginkgo trees are tolerant of various conditions, they are happiest in areas with moderate rainfall and temperatures that range from warm to excellent. Planting them in an area with plenty of sunlight and air circulation will encourage healthy growth. Proper drainage is essential in regions with excessive rainfall to prevent root rot, as Ginkgo biloba does not fare well in consistently waterlogged conditions.
Ginkgo BilobaSoil and Sunlight for Ginkgo
If you want one practical place to compare an easy-yard ginkgo tree, Tupelo, Elm, and Hornbeam, this set keeps it simple. We chose these four for clear reasons: bright fall color, wet-spot performance, adaptable shade, and upright structure, so you'll find a fit for open lawns, tricky drainage, or…
The best pick is the one that matches your lot size and your patience. For a broad yard with full sun and strong sight lines, ginkgo is a solid anchor. For edible interest elsewhere on the property, persimmon can fill a different role.
Ginkgo Size and Growth Rate
Ginkgo trees can grow up to 80 feet tall and be 40 feet wide. They form a pyramid shape and have unique fan shaped leaves. The leaves turn a beautiful golden color in the fall. The light looks very nice when filtered through the canopy when the leaves are yellow. The tree is deciduous and loses its leaves in the fall.
How much is the ginkgo tree worth?
The value of a Ginkgo biloba tree depends on various factors, including its size, age, and where it is purchased. Younger trees, typically around 2 to 3 feet tall, can range from $30 to $60, making them relatively affordable for home gardeners. Larger, more mature trees can be significantly more expensive. For example, a ginkgo tree 6 to 8 feet tall might be priced anywhere from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the nursery or tree supplier.
Beyond its monetary value, Ginkgo biloba trees are prized for their symbolic and cultural significance. In traditional Chinese medicine, extracts from the tree's leaves have been used for centuries to treat various ailments. Today, ginkgo supplements are still commonly found in health food stores, where they are marketed for their supposed cognitive benefits, though scientific studies on their efficacy have yielded mixed results.
Additionally, ginkgo trees are admired for their remarkable resilience. One of the most famous examples is their survival after the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, where several ginkgo trees located near the blast site continued to grow despite the devastation. This incredible ability to endure has led to the Ginkgo being seen as a symbol of peace, longevity, and endurance.
In landscaping, the Ginkgo's value also lies in its aesthetic appeal. Few trees can rival the golden spectacle it provides each autumn. Its fan-shaped leaves, often compared to butterfly wings, create a stunning display that brightens any landscape. Even in winter, the Ginkgo's tall, straight trunk and rugged bark offer visual interest, especially with evergreen plants.
For gardeners seeking a tree with historical significance, resilience, and beauty, Ginkgo biloba is an excellent choice. While it may take time to grow and establish, the tree's enduring nature and visual appeal make it a worthy investment for any garden or landscape. Proper care and conditions will provide decades, even centuries, of beauty for future generations.
Planting Ginkgo
Start with your USDA zone, then compare it with the plant listing before ordering. If you have searched for a plant nursery near me because local stock feels hit or miss, we can help you check zone fit before you plant. We also carry a Zone 7b collection, which helps if that matches your area. Zone fit matters more than impulse buying. It is the difference between a tree that settles in and one that struggles.
You will receive a bare root tree. Dig a hole twice as wide as the roots and about a foot deeper than the roots. Do not put fertilizer in the hole, it will burn the sensitive root hairs and may kill the plant. Using the soil dug out of the hole, put about a foot of loose dirt in the hole. Have someone hold the tree where the crown is at ground level. Fill the soil in around the tree. Water the tree. Add more soil and water until the soil level does not change with watering. Use the rest of the soil to make a berm around the tree and about three inches tall. This will hole water in until it can be absorbed when you water the tree.
We ship all items by 3-4 day ground shipping. That applies across our live plant orders, including trees, seedlings, and groundcover. So if you are ordering before back to school season and want planting done while weather is still workable, plan around that shipping window.
Ancient Chinese writings from thousands of years ago first documented Ginkgo biloba as both a sacred and medicinal tree. European explorers brought it to the attention of the Western world when they encountered the plant in the late 17th century. The German physician and botanist Engelbert Kaempfer recorded the existence of this plant as he journeyed through Japan during the year 1690. Upon his return from Japan, Engelbert Kaempfer shared with European botanists the unique leaf shape of the it and its cultural importance.
Ginkgo trees need full sun and well-drained soil. Avoid planting it where the roots will stay wet. Ginkgo trees are hardy from zones 3 to 9.
A ginkgo tree earns its place when you have room to think long term. We tell customers to picture the tree in 15 years, not just this spring. That means checking overhead wires, driveway edges, and the distance from your house before you plant.
Ginkgo biloba possesses one of the oldest family trees among plant species. The existence of this species began over 200 million years ago when dinosaurs were yet to evolve. The Jurassic period fossils demonstrate that the ancestors of it thrived with other prehistoric creatures while enduring mass extinction events that eliminated many species. Ancient temple gardens in China, Japan, and Korea cultivated the tree because of its sacred status as a symbol of enduring longevity and resilience. The tree's reputation as a symbol of endurance and hope strengthened because it survived disasters including the atomic bomb attack on Hiroshima.
Extracts obtained from this plant's leaves serve as key ingredients in many herbal supplements because of their reputed benefits in increasing blood circulation along with improving mental clarity. Research indicates that the active components in the substance known as flavonoids and terpenoids demonstrate antioxidant capabilities which may defend cells against free radical damage. East Asian medical practices make use of its seeds to treat coughs and digestive problems but require careful preparation because of inherent toxic substances.
The seeds and foliage have been utilized in Chinese medicine for many years for their claimed health advantages. Historical records indicate that this plant was used to enhance blood flow and mental performance while treating lung conditions. Medical practitioners used leaf-based decoctions to treat asthma and bronchitis while also helping patients improve memory retention. The seed and leaf extract gained recognition as a brain-enhancing remedy beyond its Eastern origins, prompting Western researchers to investigate its effectiveness against neurodegenerative conditions including Alzheimer's disease.
So if you are planning spring planting in 2026, now is the time to map sun patterns and drainage. Then, through summer establishment care, stay consistent with water, especially in heat. You can browse our Native Trees or Shop All collection when you are ready to build around the main tree.
If your soil stays soggy after rain, tell us that before you order. A site with wet ground needs a tree matched to that condition, not just a tree you like in a photo. We help customers sort that out by growing zone and planting conditions. And if you have mixed conditions in the yard, send us the details so we can narrow it down.
The tree's remarkable lifespan, which can span thousands of years, demonstrates nature's incredible persistence. This plant retains its ability to enchant and motivate observers in both busy city locations and quiet temple settings because they perceive its eternal elegance and resilience.
Yes, in many cases it is. We usually suggest it for average-size home landscapes where you want one clear focal tree instead of a wide-spreading canopy. Look at your overhead space first. If you have power lines or a very tight planting strip, measure before you buy. That quick step saves trouble later.
And here is something shoppers miss when they search for a nursery near me or plant nursery near me . A yard rarely works with one layer alone. Around a tree, we often see better results when homeowners add low fillers like violets or browse our Moss collection for soft ground coverage in the right spot.
Pruning Ginkgo
For patios, west-facing lawns, and play areas, canopy matters more than novelty. You want enough sun for establishment, then enough spread to cool the yard later. If your lot runs tight between homes, measure twice. Roots, branches, and future pruning space all count.
Ginkgo Problems and Pests
Ginkgo trees can cause contact dermatitis. The pulp and the seeds can cause irritation of lips, mouth, and throat and stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea when eaten in large quantities. Cooking does not degrade the toxic chemical in the pulp and seeds. They are resistant to most pests, including deer. They are resistant to most diseases.
Ginkgo in the Landscape
We compare ginkgo, tupelo, elm, and hornbeam for spring and summer landscapes, with zone-aware help for homeowners searching a nursery near me.
