A: I love the ginkgo tree, Ginkgo biloba, too; especially the yellow fall foliage and the unique shape of the leaves. It has no serious insect or disease issues which would make it a wonderful tree in a landscape. This particular tree, however, prefers to grow in more northern climates, where it is exposed to fewer hot and humid days. Although I have seen it as far south as Central Florida, it never flourishes like it does in areas north of cold hardiness zone 9.

Gingko trees tolerate most any type of soil, most any type of light conditions and they are fairly drought tolerant. It is relatively disease free but it is important to select only male trees as the females produce fruit which put off a disgusting and offensive odor. In addition, fruit drop can be very messy. Too many commercial sites have selected the wrong plant and ended up years later with messy, female trees.

According to the University of Florida, select a grafted male plant by purchasing a specific cultivar such as `Autumn Gold’, ` Fastigiata’, `Princeton Sentry’, or `Lakeview’. If the plant is propagated by seed, it could take as long as 20 years or more for Ginkgo to fruit and then it is too late. `Autumn Gold’ has a bright gold fall color and rapid growth rate. `Fastigiata’ has an upright growth. `Princeton Sentry’ has a narrow conical crown for restricted overhead spaces, which works well on commercial sites but can reach heights up to 65 feet. `Lakeview’ has a compact, broad conical form. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/st273

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