Ginkgo origin

The Ginkgo biloba, also known as the maidenhair tree, belongs to the Ginkgo genus and is the only living species of an otherwise extinct group of seed plants. The Ginkgo is a deciduous tree and can reach a height of up to 30 m. It is one of the oldest living plant species in the world and can live for over 1.000 years. It originates from East Asia and was planted centuries ago in China, Japan and Korea as a medicinal plant and in parks and temples. It was not introduced to Europe and North America until the 18th century.

It blooms in late spring with pale yellow, inconspicuous flowers that stand on dense, upright panicles. The leaves are arranged opposite each other and are unmistakable due to their striking fan-shaped leaves. They are about 5 to 10 cm long and 3 to 5 cm wide. In autumn, the leaves turn golden yellow and fall off. The fruits ripen in autumn and are oval, orange berries that give off an unpleasant smell.

In traditional Chinese medicine, ginkgo seeds have been used for centuries to improve circulation and relieve symptoms of asthma and tinnitus, among other things. In modern medicine, ginkgo is used as a dietary supplement and is used to treat memory disorders, tinnitus and other circulatory disorders. It is very tolerant of environmental pollution and can thrive in urban areas.

Ginkgo care and location

The ginkgo prefers a sunny to partially shaded location with well-drained and humus-rich soil. However, it can grow in many types of soil and is tolerant of pollution. It does not require special care and is resistant to pests and diseases. However, in hot and dry regions it should be planted in partially shaded areas as it does not tolerate the complete drying out of the soil well.

Cutting Ginkgo

The ginkgo does not normally require regular pruning as it grows slowly and has a distinct growth habit. However, if it is to be pruned into a specific shape, spring is the best time to do it. Only the most necessary branches should be removed and the natural shape of the plant should be respected. Old and diseased branches, as well as those that grow into the interior of the tree, should be removed. Radical pruning should not be carried out as the ginkgo has a slow growth rate and it takes a long time to recover from pruning.

Watering Ginkgo

The ginkgo is a very undemanding tree and requires little water. However, it prefers well-drained and nutrient-rich soil that is not too dry. It can thrive in areas with low rainfall and dry soil and can tolerate short dry periods. However, during the growing season, the ginkgo should be watered regularly to support optimal growth. The soil should be kept moist but not wet. Conventional watering with a hose can result in too much water landing on the ground at once and then evaporating or seeping into the soil before it reaches the roots.

With tree bath water bags watering is more efficient and time and water are saved. Drip irrigation continuously releases water into the soil, allowing the shallow roots to absorb the water better. The watering bag also covers the surface of the soil, preventing moisture from evaporating. The capacity of the tree bath watering bag is 75 to 100 liters and is sufficient to supply a ginkgo. Attaching and filling the watering bag for the ginkgo is simple and straightforward. The bag is placed around the tree trunk like a jacket and closed with a zip. In the next step, fill the bag with enough water so that after further alignment there are no more wrinkles in the lower area and then let it fill up.

Fertilizing Ginkgo

Ginkgo usually does not require additional fertilization. They are an undemanding plant and can thrive in most soils. However, if the soil is particularly poor in nutrients, organic fertilizer such as compost or manure can be applied to the soil in spring and lightly worked in.

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