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The Complete Guide to Ginkgo Biloba Plant: Care Tips and More
Introduction
Ginkgo biloba, commonly known as the maidenhair tree, is one of the oldest living tree species in the world.
It’s been around for over 270 million years! This ancient plant has a fascinating history and a lot of health benefits that have been documented.
Let’s dive into how to care for this unique plant and why it’s worth having in your garden.
Planting Ginkgo Biloba
When planting ginkgo biloba, it’s important to choose a spot with well-draining soil that receives full sun or partial shade.
This tree can grow up to 80 feet tall and 40 feet wide so make sure there is plenty of space around it.
If you’re planting multiple trees, space them at least 30 feet apart.
- Plant in Autumn: The ideal time to plant ginkgo biloba is during autumn when the temperature isn’t too hot or too cold.
- Avoid Waterlogged Soil: Avoid areas where water might collect or soil becomes waterlogged since these conditions can damage the roots.
- Fertilizer Application: Fertilize your newly planted ginkgo biloba with a balanced fertilizer during springtime using an NPK (nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium) ratio of either 8-8-8 or 10-10-10.
- Mulching: Use organic mulch such as composted leaves or bark chips around your new trees after planting them; this helps conserve moisture while reducing weed growth!
Caring For Your Ginkgo Biloba Tree
Growing and caring for ginkgos requires minimal effort, but it’s still important to monitor their health and provide some essential treatments.
- Watering: Ginkgo biloba prefers well-draining soil; hence should not be over-watered.
You may water the plant once a week or when the soil feels dry to touch.
Water your ginkgo tree slowly so that the water penetrates deep into the soil.
- Mulching: Mulch your tree annually with organic matter such as compost, bark chips or leaves to help keep moisture in while suppressing weed growth.
- Pruning: Young trees will need pruning occasionally while they are becoming established, but mature trees will only need pruning if there is a dead branch or one has become damaged due to heavy snowfall or arboreal disease
- Fertilizing: Ginkgo biloba doesn’t require much fertilizer.
If you must fertilize, do it sparingly using an NPK (nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium) ratio of either 8-8-8 or 10-10-10 in spring time.
Pests And Diseases Affecting Ginkgo Biloba Plants
Ginkgos are generally hardy plants without many serious pest problems.
The following garden pests and diseases can sometimes affect them:
- Aphids – These tiny green insects suck out sap from tender new growth on ginkgos and other plants can cause yellowing leaves.
- Fungal diseases – Powdery mildew is most common in areas with high humidity.
- Scales – Some insects like scales feed on sap which affects general plant health
The Benefits of Growing Ginkgo Biloba
Besides adding natural beauty to your garden environment, there are numerous benefits to growing ginkgo biloba.
Here are some of them:
- Medicinal uses: The leaves of the ginkgo biloba tree contain compounds that help improve blood circulation, memory, and cognitive function.
- Aesthetics: Ginkgos add to the beauty of a garden with their fan-shaped leaves which turn bright yellow during autumn.
- Drought-Tolerant: Ginkgos can withstand harsh environmental conditions such as drought and pollution.
They are great for urban environments where air quality may be poor.
Conclusion
Ginkgo biloba is an ancient tree species that has survived for millions of years.
It’s worth considering planting this beautiful specimen in your garden due to its many benefits, including medicinal properties, aesthetic appeal, and tolerance to harsh environmental conditions like drought and pollution.
With proper care and maintenance regimes in place, you’ll enjoy watching your ginkgo grow into a majestic addition to your landscape!
