Autumn Gold Ginkgo Tree

It is not often that we have the chance to easily grow a living fossil, identical to trees that grew 270 million years ago and that almost became extinct if not for the care given by Chinese monks. Not only is this tree unique, it is also very beautiful, with an elegant appearance, distinctive foliage and glorious pure yellow fall color.

In addition to all the aforementioned benefits, it is resistant to all pests and diseases, grows in any soil, resists urban pollution and needs no particular care. It is rarely eaten by deer and will soon be too tall for them to reach if they did decide to. This special tree makes a unique shade tree or decorative garden tree and as it is so tough it is also an excellent choice for a screen for privacy or as a wind-break, as long as extremely rapid growth is not needed. Because it is a little slower in growth, it is long-lived, hardy and not prone to breakage. It needs no special care to reward you with its beauty and durability.

We sell only trees that are true to the original form and we give you the best plant for your purpose. However, we are constantly renewing our stock so our customers get fresh, healthy plants, so supplies of this tree may be limited. To avoid disappointment order now.

Growing Autumn Gold Ginkgo Trees

The Autumn Gold Ginkgo Tree grows about a foot a year (or a little more), so it is a reliable fast-growing tree that will mature soon and as a screen the trees will grow together as they mature. Trees actually grow faster after the first few years. It is remarkably resistant to all pests and diseases – and although deer will sometimes eat the leaves they rarely or never eat branches, so no harm is done to the tree. Once established it is tolerant of moderate drought, but benefits from water during extended dry periods, especially when young.

Hardiness

The Ginkgo Tree is hardy in zones 3 to 9, so it is an excellent choice for colder parts of the country, where other trees may not thrive. It will thrive in almost any soil, but favours damper soils that are also well-drained. In practice it will grow almost anywhere, but the growth rate will be faster under better conditions. For a fast-growing screen, plant trees 10 feet apart in well-dug soil and water and fertilize them regularly. Before long you will have a beautiful screen or avenue of trees, blazing in golden glory every fall.

Planting Location

The Ginkgo Tree is best grown in full sun, but it can be planted in some shade if it will reach the sun when it grows taller. Water your tree every week for the first season, and after that during dry spells. These trees do not normally need pruning, but you can remove any crowded branches and shorten any that are in the way. If necessary this tree can also be pruned as hard as needed and it will quickly recover.

History and Origins of the Gingko Tree

The ginkgo tree (Ginkgo biloba) is often describes as a ‘living fossil’ because it is the last member of a type of tree that was once wide-spread and common. It is likely that the only reason we still have this tree is from the activity of Chinese monks who preserved specimens in their temple gardens. It was introduced into Europe 300 years ago, and sometime later into America. Today it is widespread in China, Europe and America, where its hardiness and ability to thrive in urban conditions where other trees would die, has made it a popular tree choice.

The wild ginkgo tree grows ultimately into a large tree up to 100 feet tall, but the Autumn Gold Gingko Tree will only reach a height of 25 to 50 feet tall, and 20 to 30 feet wide when mature. It begins life as a narrow, upright tree and only as it ages does it become broader, which makes it useful for smaller gardens. The leaves are unique, being shaped like a fan, with a deep cleft in the tip and parallel veins. They are very beautiful and resemble in shape the leaves of the Maidenhair Fern, which is why this tree is also sometimes called the Maidenhair Tree.

Male and female flowers are on separate trees, but the Autumn Gold Ginkgo Tree is a male, so no fruit is produced. As this fruit has a very strong, unpleasant smell, the lack of fruit is a good thing. In fall this selected variety has leaves turn a beautiful butter yellow color before falling. The fall color in Gingko trees is variable when grown from seed and some trees never color well, so our Autumn Gold Ginkgo Trees are grown by taking stems from correctly identified parent trees and joining them to the roots of seedling trees. This is skilled work, and takes longer, but it is the only way to guarantee perfect fall color, which cheaper seedling trees will not have.