The ginkgo has existed for a very long time: the tree grew all over the world even in the time of the dinosaurs. It is thanks to its robustness that it can still be found in many places today. But what to do if the tree no longer wants to grow?
Why is my ginkgo not growing and what can I do?
If a ginkgo is not growing, it may be due to its slow-growing nature, energy use for the root zone, or slow-growing varieties. This can be remedied by loose, permeable soil, sufficient watering, regular fertilization and no direct root competition.
Why doesn't the ginkgo grow?
If the ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) doesn't want to grow, there can be various reasons. As a rule, however, you don't have to worry as long as the shoots are green and the tree looks he althy. Periods of stagnation are normal for ginkgo, especially since the species grows very slowly anyway.
For example, underground root growth can be more pronounced in young trees. In this case, the ginkgo puts all of its energy into growing the roots, so there is no energy left for above-ground growth.
What can you do to make the ginkgo grow?
If the ginkgo doesn't grow, a lot of patience helps. It is completely normal for the tree to stop growing for one or more years - especially if it has not been in its location for too long. However, you can support the “lazy” tree:
- Provide loose, well-drained soil.
- Water on hot summer days.
- Fertilize the tree twice a year.
- Avoid planting the tree disc.
Ginkgos generally grow almost everywhere, but experience shows that they grow slower in very loamy soil - here the roots have more problems spreading and this is also reflected in their above-ground growth. In addition, the tree does not like direct root competition.
How fast does the ginkgo grow?
What type of ginkgo do you have at home? Sometimes the reason for not growing is due to a particularly weak-growing variety: special dwarf varieties such as 'Mariken' or 'Baldi' grow particularly slowly and also remain extremely small.
But even the original species does not necessarily rush to grow - such a tree gains an average of 20 centimeters per year, although the annual increase can vary greatly. Freshly planted potted specimens that have been kept small for years sometimes explode. Others, however, only grow a few centimeters a year and apparently not at all.
How much space does the ginkgo need as it ages?
The ginkgo grows so slowly because it can get very old: Typically, trees that can reach an age of around 1000 years show very slow growth. Nevertheless, a ginkgo can grow up to 40 meters high and very wide in its home location.
In our latitudes, however, the ginkgo is considered a medium-tall tree: in this country it grows to around 15 meters high and ten meters wide, so at some point it needs a lot of space and should not be planted directly on a house wall or on the property line.
Tip
When does the ginkgo start to sprout?
Ginkgos sprout fresh green leaves again from the end of April / beginning of May - depending on the weather. The flowers usually appear before the leaves and can be seen from March onwards, but are very inconspicuous. In October the green leaves turn golden yellow and fall off.
