Growing A Ginkgo Tree In Your Backyard

Growing Ginkgo: A Living Fossil in Your Backyard

The Ginkgo tree, often called a "living fossil," is like stepping back in time. Its lineage dates back over 200 million years, and growing one in your own backyard feels like adding a touch of eternity to your space.

I’ve grown a Ginkgo myself, and let me tell you: it’s worth every ounce of patience. These trees demand time—decades, even—but their beauty and resilience reward you endlessly.

Why Choose a Ginkgo Tree?

If you’re after a tree that’s low-maintenance yet visually striking, the Ginkgo is your answer. Its fan-shaped leaves are iconic, turning a luminous gold in autumn—an almost otherworldly display.

Plus, Ginkgos are practically indestructible. They shrug off pollution, tolerate salt, and scoff at pests and diseases. They're hardy in USDA zones 3-9, making them a versatile choice for backyard growers across much of the U.S.

“Ginkgo biloba is one of the toughest trees you can grow. It thrives where many others fail.”

Where to Plant Your Ginkgo

Placement is everything. A Ginkgo thrives in *full sun*, so choose an open spot where it can bask in at least six hours of sunlight daily. Partial shade will do in a pinch, but you’ll sacrifice growth and vibrance.

These trees grow tall—up to 50-80 feet when mature—so don’t cram one into a tight space. Give it breathing room to spread out its broad, conical canopy. I made the mistake once of planting too close to a patio. Trust me, pruning a misplanted Ginkgo is no picnic.

Picking the Right Variety

If you’re buying a Ginkgo, opt for a *male cultivar*. Female Ginkgos produce seeds with a pungent, borderline offensive smell. I learned this the hard way with a female tree near my garden shed. The scent? Let’s just say it wasn’t inviting.

• ‘Autumn Gold’ – A classic golden male variety.
• ‘Princeton Sentry’ – Ideal for smaller spaces with a narrow, upright growth habit.
• ‘Fairmount’ – Slightly more compact for suburban yards but equally stunning in fall.

Planting a Ginkgo

Ginkgo trees aren’t fussy, but they do have preferences. Plant them in well-draining soil; soggy roots can slow their growth. That said, they handle clay or sandy soils better than most trees.

Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and equally deep. Spread the roots gently, backfill with the removed soil, and water deeply. Skip the fertilizer at planting—these trees are slow growers, and you don’t want to overwhelm them with nutrients too soon.

Watering and Maintenance

In their first year, water consistently. Deep soaks once a week work better than frequent light watering. After the tree establishes itself, it becomes remarkably drought-tolerant. I’ve forgotten to water mine during hot spells, and it didn’t even flinch.

The good news? It hardly needs pruning. Just remove dead or damaged branches in late winter. Its natural growth pattern is so elegant, you’ll rarely need to intervene.

Patience Pays Off

There’s no rushing a Ginkgo. It grows slowly at first—just a few inches a year. But don’t be fooled by its sluggish start. Once it takes off, it becomes a majestic anchor in your backyard, outlasting generations of other trees.

For me, the turning point came around year five. My young Ginkgo suddenly found its footing, and its foliage began rewarding me with dazzling golden showers each autumn.

“A mature Ginkgo is a gift to future generations. Plant one today, and leave a legacy that could last centuries.”

Final Thoughts

Growing Ginkgo is a mix of patience and reward. It’s not a quick fix, but it doesn’t ask much of you either. In return, you’ll gain a tree that weathers storms, defies time, and turns your backyard into a living museum.

Grow the plant Ginkgo for an eco-friendly addition to any outdoor or indoor space! This hardy plant is low maintenance, drought tolerant, and improves air quality by releasing oxygen into the environment. In addition, ginkgo provides a calming, natural scene with its lush, fan-shaped leaves that change color throughout the year, creating a stunning and beautiful addition to any landscape.