hello, we have a slim ginko biloba tree on our lawn, about twenty feet tall. I would prefer a small, more ornamental tree in its place, maybe a japanese maple, but I am torn about cutting down the ginko. could I shorten it into a miniature tree? thanks for any advice.
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Hello Ian
Pruning of Ginkgo biloba must be done very carefully , and in the winter months ; never whilst in active growth .
This allows any wounds to heal prior to the new growing season . Be very careful to try not damaging the overall shape and structure of the tree , and if possible avoid any major cuts .This will be difficult if you wish to reduce the overall height ; but trimming off unwanted side-shoots is a way of avoiding tangled and too dense a growth .
It would be somewhat ironic that a species having survived the ravages of time for over 200m. years on our planet should be killed through over judicious pruning ; good luck !
PS Sudden afterthought !!
There is a form called G.biloba 'Fastigiata' , which has a tall 'pillar-like' mode of growth ; not sure of the effect of taking the top out of this one . It might inadvertently encourage more lateral growth , which is probably something you want to avoid .
With you saying yours is slim @20' tall made me think of the above ; the normal form would be fairly broad at 20' high .
Maybe someone else has more advice on the forum
Apologies for not being more helpful .
Ginkgo biloba can be trained as a bonsai so I see no reason why you cannot keep it the shape you want.
My Mum has one and she has cut loads off and it still keeps shooting out.
I would be inclined to keep it!
They are an interesting tree and are especially fab in autumn, when the leaves turn golden.
I love them.
Difficult decision.
Rather depends on the size of the garden...distance from house.
I wouldn't reduce the height......it would completely spoil symmetry slim shape.
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=ginkgo+biloba+autumn&rlz=1C1GNAM_en-GBGB687GB687&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwifgcL12u3XAhUnKsAKHZs_BRkQ_AUICigB&biw=1536&bih=759
thank you all for replies. I'm inclined to try shaping it into a shorter tree as keeping it tall isn't really an option. perhaps after winter it would have a better chance of surviving this?
These make magnificent trees when allowed to grow to their full size. Rather than risk butchering it, why not see if someone can give it a good home - Freecycle, local facebook page for your town/village/community, parks department?
Quote..."hello, we have a slim ginko biloba tree on our lawn, about twenty feet tall."
Oh my goodness!
It would not be impossible.....but would take over 2 year.
First you would need to root prune it...wait for new roots to grow.
Then you would need a crane to lift it, move it.
It would cost a small fortune.
See pics re preparing/root pruning/lifting gear in images below.
https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=how+to+transplant+a+big+tree&FORM=HDRSC2
Last edited: 05 December 2017 16:44:50