The Goldspire Ginkgo tree (Ginkgo Biloba ‘Goldspire’) is a lovely addition to any landscape, large or small. This widely adaptable tree can grow in almost any condition or climate, withstanding cold all the way down to -20 degrees. They’re also heat and drought tolerant as well. Goldspires are typically grown in USDA growing zones 4-9 and are very adaptable to any soil type. Goldspire ginkgos can be used in home landscapes, parking lots, or city streets due to their compact size of 15 feet tall and only 5-6 feet wide. The fan shaped leaves turn from a deep green in the summer to a golden fall color that’s a show stopper and certainly will attract attention to your landscape. This particular variety is a male, so no worries about messy clean up or unpleasant odors!

Location: Goldspire ginkgo is a full sun tree that can tolerate partial shade in warmer climates. In cooler climates they need 6 or more hours of sun for the best performance and fall color. These trees prefer well draining soil but can take more moisture than some other varieties. They can also tolerate some salinity in the air as well as the soil. They do not need much space to fill out, so even compact areas are suitable for this tree.

Planting directions: Once you find your ideal location, it’s time to start planting.

1) Dig your hole twice as wide and just as deep as the container that it arrived in.
2) Remove your plant from the container and lightly comb the root ball with your hands to free up the roots a bit.
3) Place your plant in the center of the hole, making sure that it is straight.
4) Backfill the hole with a mixture of 60% native soil and 40% compost or garden soil to help enrich the soil. Tamp the soil as you go to remove air pockets.
5) Water well when done so that the roots are moist, but not saturated and to fully settle the soil.
6) Mulch the area well (2-3 inches thick) to help the conserve moisture and regulate temperature. This will also keep weeds and grasses at bay.

Watering: Goldspire ginkgos will need regular watering to establish a healthy root system. If you’re in a warm climate, they will need water about every 2 days during the summer months and every 3-4 days in cooler climates. These trees do not like to be saturated for any period of time, but don’t care for their roots to dry more than 1-2 inches down before being watered again. Once the tree is established, they will only need water during times of drought, always keep the root area protected with mulch to help the tree to conserve water. Ginkgo trees are easily adaptable to many conditions and therefore can be easily overwatered. Always check the soil for drainage, and ensure that the area is drying out some before you water again.

Pruning: Once these plants are well established, they need little pruning to maintain their shape. During the first 3-4 years they will need to be lightly sheared in the early spring to help them form the dense branching that is characteristic of them.

Fertilizing: Ginkgo trees do not need much fertilization once established. To give the tree a boost during the first few growing seasons, fertilize it in the early spring with a slow release fertilizer, such as a 10-5-5 or a 10-10-10 formula. Be careful not to over fertilize as these trees don’t need much fertilization. They will not need to be fertilized more than once per season.