Tree Highlight: Ginkgo Trees in Cincinnati, The Living Fossil!
Ginkgo trees are one of the oldest known tree species that still exist today. Often called a "living fossil," the ginkgo has been around for hundreds of millions of years and still retains its prehistoric characteristics. The ginkgo is a favorite amongst our arborists here at Gregory Forrest Lester, Inc., thanks to its unique combination of beauty, history, and resilience. They also thrive in urban environments, making them an excellent choice for Cincinnati homeowners.
History of the Ginkgo
The ginkgo tree's history begins long before humans ever walked the earth. The oldest dated ginkgo fossil is over 270 million years old. That is tens of millions of years before even dinosaurs existed on Earth! This is so long ago, in fact, that we aren't even sure what animal ate the fruit from the ginkgo trees. Ginkgo fruit, produced by females of the species, emits a distinct odor that likely enticed certain mammals during the Mesozoic era to eat and spread the seeds. Now that those mammals are long gone, it is humans that spread ginkgo trees around the world.
The modern-day ginkgo, or Ginkgo biloba, is the last survivor of the order Ginkgoales. Severe glacial periods drove the species to the brink of extinction, leaving only a small population living in some mountainous regions of eastern China. Monks and local populations preserved and planted ginkgos near Buddhist and Taoist temples across China. Eventually, the ginkgo was introduced to Korea and Japan, and from there, it spread to Europe and the Americas for use in suburban and urban areas.
Why Should You Plant a Ginkgo in Cincinnati?
Ginkgo trees are remarkably adaptable. They can tolerate many of the challenging conditions found in urban and suburban environments, including air pollution, compacted soil, and periods of heat and drought. Once established, a healthy ginkgo generally requires relatively little maintenance compared to many other ornamental trees.
One of the biggest benefits of having a ginkgo on your property is its spectacular fall color. In autumn, it turns a brilliant golden color, creating a bright focal point in any landscape. Ginkgos are also long-lived; for example, a ginkgo at Gu Guanyin Buddhist Temple in Xian, China, is over 1,400 years old. A well-planted and properly cared-for ginkgo can provide beauty and character to a property for generations to come.
In Cincinnati, choosing the right tree for your property is about more than just appearance. Proper tree selection and ongoing tree care can help protect your landscape and promote long-term tree health. Regular inspections, pruning, and professional arborist care can help your ginkgo thrive through Cincinnati's changing seasons.
GFLI Arborist Love the Ginkgo!
The ginkgo is beloved here at Gregory Forrest Lester, Inc. In fact, our employee of the month program is named after autumn ginkgo leaves. The "Golden Ginkgo" trophy is awarded to every employee of the month we have here!
Many of our arborists also chose to plant ginkgos on their own properties. They love the ginkgo for its beauty year-round and its resilience to pests and diseases that we have here in Cincinnati.
Caring for your Cincinnati ginkgo
While ginkgos are tough trees, they still benefit from proper planting, pruning, and regular maintenance. An experienced Cincinnati arborist can help you select the proper planting location, monitor your tree's health, and address potential problems before they become major issues.
Whether you're considering planting a ginkgo or already have one growing on your property, professional tree care from the tree health professionals at Gregory Forrest Lester, Inc. can help your tree stay healthy, safe, and beautiful for years to come.
