Q.Ginko Has Three Leaders
I have a 15 year old ginkgo biloba maidenhair tree and somehow I missed that it has three leaders. The three are all the same length but none are going straight up, more like a vase shape. Question can it grow and be healthy like this or should I make one the leader somehow?? I have attached two photos, your advice would be greatly appreciated.
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
It appears that the tree has been pruned a little early in life. This will change the shape of the tree, permanently.
At this point, all of the leaders are at an angle. Cutting them now will not correct the angle of any of the others that remain, unfortunately.
I do not think that the tree will suffer. They are pretty strong, and can hold their structure for the duration of the lifespan. With this being said, I would prune out some of the smaller growth close to the ground. That, and top the leaders, meaning to cut off the top 6-8 inches of each leader. Keeping leaders manageable will ensure a robust, and full tree.
Here are some articles that will help you with the care of your tree:
Thank you for getting back to me.
The tree shape is curtesy of an arborist we hired a couple years ago.
Do you think if we chose one to be a leader and tied it as straight as it could go, would this work???
And when should we prune off the lower branches and to what height should we go from the ground to the first branches left?
